Chiang Kai-Shek Generalissimo Analysis

The long anticipated attack launched by the People’s Liberation Army, the military division of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), on January 6, 1949 was the start of a five month offensive that culminated in Chiang Kai-shek’s departure to Taiwan. After much self-reflection, Chiang privately concluded that “the major reason for this defeat…is that we are in a transitional period where the old system has been abolished but the new system is yet to be built” (400). The Generalissimo also recognized his inability to build an effective organization and lack of party discipline as major factors contributing to the fall of his regime. This blunt and accurate analysis of the situation is a reflection of Chiang Kai-shek’s experience; his early childhood
The internal struggles and civil wars that surrounded World War II were far more intense than I previously imagined. I appreciate how the battle of communism versus democracy spread well beyond the Eastern European Theater, where it is more infamously known. Furthermore, Taylor’s insights into Chiang’s thought process surrounding his major decisions shed light on how the nationalist party leader considered all of the options but remained firm in his judgments. The Generalissimo provides a plethora of insights into the life of Chiang Kai-shek while simultaneously explaining the role of outside forces; this dynamic allowed me to acquire a comprehensive understanding of modern Chinese
His distinguished standing as a positive leader who put the interests of China first in the fight against Communism is evident throughout his life. As I progressed through The Generalissimo, I found myself agreeing with the majority of Taylor’s point of view. Chiang Kai-shek was a highly regarded and positive leader who put the interests of China before his own in his quest to save mainland China from Mao Zedong and the spread of Communism. While I have my own reservations, Taylor does exceedingly well in presenting a clear and primarily objective picture of Chiang Kai-shek. I consider The Generalissimo to be the comprehensive western biography on the life of Chiang