China Shakes the World

China Shakes the World by Jack Belden, published by Penguin Books in 1973, is a journalistic account that explores the civil war in China from 1947 to 1949. This edition, comprising 688 pages, delves into the complex dynamics of the conflict, focusing on the perspectives of the peasants and the political leadership of figures such as Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Tse-tung. The book examines various influences on the war, including the impact of the Japanese invasion of 1937 and the roles played by the USSR and the USA.

Readers will find a thorough analysis of the political ideologies at play during this tumultuous period, particularly the communist social theory advocated by Mao Tse-tung and its implications for social change among the peasantry. The narrative also addresses economic and cultural factors that shaped the civil war, providing a comprehensive overview of the events and their significance. This edition is presented in English, making it accessible to a broad audience interested in political science and the historical context of communism and socialism in China.