Lecture 33 & 34: Mao Zedong begins his long march/ JFK Assassination of JFK

The end of the history lectures is nearing. On Tuesday, Sept 24, was the 33rd lecture in the series focusing on the start of communism in China.

China was not faring well in the early 20th century with trade concession having been made to the Western world and from being under the rule of a corrupt dynasty. Two early leaders sought to institute socialism, but communism was was also gaining ground among Chinese intellectuals. The Communist Party was officially formed in 1921, and Mao Zedong was an early member.

Mao spread the ideals of communism among the peasants. At the same time, Chiang Kaishek, with the help of the United States, set out to obliterate communism. The communist had to retreat some 8,000 kilometers, known as the Long March, in order to escape defeat from the Chinese national army. Mao was elected leader of the community party in China, a move that was supported by the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.

After the end of World War II, the United Stated wondered if they should intervene in China to stop the spread of communism. General George Marshall declared, “China is lost,” when he was sent to investigate on the situation.

The communists were able to spread their message to ordinary Chinese citizens as a means of elevating themselves and their

country. It was Oct. 1, 1949, when the People’s Republic of China was officially proclaimed. It was the culmination of over two decades of civil and international war. Mao continued to spread his message and worldview through young people.

It was during 1949 that the Soviets announced they had detonated their first atomic bomb. In 1950, North Korean troops tried to bring communism into South Korea. American troops were sent to try to stop this spread of communism, but toward the end of 1950, Chinese troops began fighting in Korea by proxy for the Soviets. More than 55,000 American troops died in this war trying to stop the spread of communism.

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the 34th lecture moved to 1963 and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. During the 1950’s and 60’s, America was involved in the beginning of the Cold War. The Soviets had already developed an atomic bomb, and communism was spreading.

Kennedy had served in WWII and returned a hero. After the war, he was elected to the House of Representatives and served there until 1953. He was then elected to the Senate in 1953 where he served until being elected President of the United States in 1960.

Kennedy vowed to stop the Soviets and the spread of communism. The attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro in Cuba in the Bay of Pigs Invasion which led to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Kennedy also supported the Civil Right Movement, although many in the African American community had doubts about his commitment. Simultaneously, southerners felt he was too devoted to civil rights. Many in the conservative Democratic party of the 60’s hated Kennedy.

Kennedy debated on keeping Lyndon B. Johnson as his vice president as he moved toward reelection. Johnson had proven not to have as much sway with southern Democrats as Kennedy had hoped. That is when Kennedy agreed on the trip to Texas to try to reunite the party.

November 22, 1963, was definitely a day that changed the course of history. Johnson became the president after Kennedy was assassinated and won the presidential election in 1964.

There are only two lectures remaining in this series. The next lecture, which will be held Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 12 p.m. at the Howard County Library basement, will focus on Martin Luther King and his march in 1963.

Contact Staff Writer Anna Gutierrez at 432-2637331 ext. 232, or by email at citydesk@bigspringherald.com