Who was Li Lisan, and what were his primary roles in the Chinese Communist Party?

Li Lisan, born Li Longzhi, was a prominent Chinese politician and a member of the Politburo and Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He played significant roles in labor organizing, propaganda, and leadership within the party during its formative years and after the establishment of the People's Republic of China. His career was marked by periods of influence, significant policy proposals, and subsequent political struggles.

Where and when was Li Lisan born, and what was his birth name?

Li Lisan was born on November 18, 1899, in Liling County, Zhuzhou, Hunan province, during the Qing Dynasty of China. His birth name was Li Longzhi.

How did Li Lisan's early education and encounters shape his path?

Li Lisan's father, a teacher, instilled in him traditional Chinese poems and classics. Later, in Changsha, his exposure to revolutionary ideas through student advertisements and his subsequent move to Beijing for higher education set him on a path away from traditional scholarship and towards political activism.

When and where did Li Lisan first meet Mao Zedong?

Li Lisan first met Mao Zedong in 1915 when Li was attending high school in Changsha, Hunan province. Mao was a student at the First Normal School of Changsha at the time.

How did Li Lisan manage to study in Beijing?

After joining the army of a local warlord in Hunan, Li Lisan was sponsored to study in Beijing by Cheng Qian. Cheng Qian was a Division Commander in the warlord's army and had a connection to Li's father as a townsman and fellow alumnus.

What led Li Lisan to France, and what activities did he engage in there?

Li Lisan applied to study in France and arrived there in 1920. While in France, he worked part-time as a boilermaker's assistant to fund his studies and became actively involved in struggles for Chinese labor rights.

How did Li Lisan become influenced by communism during his time in France?

Li Lisan's exposure to communism in France was influenced by his employer, who was a member of the French Communist Party. This association led Li to embrace communist ideology and actively participate in revolutionary work.

Why were Li Lisan and other Chinese students expelled from France in 1921?

Li Lisan and over 100 other Chinese students were expelled by the French authorities in 1921 due to their active and fearless revolutionary work, which led to them being labeled as troublemakers.

What significant role did Li Lisan play in organizing labor at the Anyuan Coal Mine?

Li Lisan was assigned to organize labor activities at the Anyuan Coal Mine in Pingxiang, Jiangxi. As the primary labor work leader there, he significantly increased CCP membership and refined organizational methods, making Anyuan a stronghold for the party.

How did Li Lisan's work at Anyuan Coal Mine affect the CCP's membership numbers?

Li Lisan's organizational efforts at Anyuan Coal Mine were highly effective. By the end of 1924, 300 of the CCP's total 900 members came from Anyuan, demonstrating the impact of his work.

With whom did Li Lisan collaborate at the Anyuan Coal Mine?

Li Lisan collaborated with Liu Shaoqi at the Anyuan Coal Mine. Liu Shaoqi later became a prominent leader in China and served as Li's deputy during this period.

How did the Nationalists perceive Li Lisan's organizational efforts at Anyuan?

The Nationalists held a high opinion of Li Lisan's organizational skills. A secret report from 1928 noted that the CCP's strong foundation at Anyuan was due to Li's comprehensive "red education," which focused on literacy and debate societies, rather than simply proselytizing.

When and why did Li Lisan move to Wuhan?

Li Lisan moved to Wuhan in 1926 to take charge of labor work, which was a central hub for such activities in China at the time.

What was Li Lisan's proposal and role concerning the Nanchang Uprising?

Following the split between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the CCP in 1927, Li Lisan was the first to propose the Nanchang Uprising against the KMT. He also served as the director of the security guards for this uprising.

What factors contributed to Li Lisan's rise to prominence within the CCP after the Nanchang Uprising?

Despite the Nanchang Uprising's failure, Li Lisan's prominence grew due to his established reputation in labor work and his demonstrated courage under fire. These factors thrust him onto the central stage of the CCP.

What significant event occurred at the 6th CCP National Congress in Moscow regarding leadership?

At the 6th CCP National Congress held in Moscow, Xiang Zhongfa was elected as General Secretary of the CCP, with support from the Comintern and the Soviet Union.

How did Li Lisan's influence grow under Xiang Zhongfa's leadership as General Secretary?

Under Xiang Zhongfa's leadership, Li Lisan's influence gradually increased. He replaced Cai Hesen as the Minister of the Propaganda Department of the CCP in October 1928 and became one of the four standing members of the Politburo.

What position did Li Lisan take in October 1928, and what did it entail?

In October 1928, Li Lisan became one of the four standing members of the Politburo of the CCP and was appointed as the minister of the Propaganda Department. This role placed him in a position of significant influence within the party's leadership structure.

What task was Li Lisan assigned in 1929 related to the Comintern?

In 1929, when the Far East Bureau of the Comintern ordered anti-rightist measures and criticized the CCP for insufficient activity, Li Lisan was tasked with handling communication and conflicts with the Comintern due to his eloquence and energy.

What additional responsibilities did Li Lisan take on when Zhou Enlai went to Moscow?

When Zhou Enlai was sent to Moscow for further instruction, Li Lisan assumed Zhou's responsibilities in organization. This expanded his role and provided him with a larger platform to demonstrate his capabilities.

What was the 'Li Lisan line,' and what was its core strategy?

The 'Li Lisan line' was a political and military strategy proposed by Li Lisan, characterized by his belief that the Chinese Communist Revolution was at its peak. Its core strategy called for armed uprisings in cities led by workers and the extension of the revolution to the entire country.

How did the Comintern react to the 'Li Lisan line'?

The Comintern expressed discontent with the 'Li Lisan line,' stating that it was developing systemic policies for the Chinese Communist Revolution and believed the CCP should concentrate on uprisings in one or several provinces rather than a nationwide approach.

What military action did Li Lisan's forces undertake in July 1930, and what was the outcome?

In July 1930, communist forces led by Li Lisan captured Changsha in Hunan province. However, their success was short-lived as Kuomintang troops defeated them just a few days later, and similar uprisings in other cities were quickly suppressed.

Who were some of the internal CCP members who opposed Li Lisan's policies?

Several prominent CCP members opposed Li Lisan's policies due to his authoritarian style and perceived extremism. These included labor activists like He Mengxiong and Luo Zhanglong, who were criticized for their 'rightism' simply for disagreeing with Li.

Who were the '28 Bolsheviks,' and what was their relationship with Li Lisan and Moscow?

The '28 Bolsheviks' were a group of Chinese students who had returned from Moscow. They were designated by their mentors in Moscow to take leadership of the CCP. Li Lisan, however, gave them a cold reception, which contributed to the growing tension.

How did the Comintern intervene to address the 'Li Lisan line'?

The Comintern intervened by sending Qu Qiubai and Zhou Enlai back to China to enforce its policies. Additionally, Pavel Mif, a key mentor of the '28 Bolsheviks,' traveled to Shanghai as a Comintern envoy.

What role did Pavel Mif play in Li Lisan's downfall?

Pavel Mif played a crucial role in Li Lisan's downfall. Under his direction, the 4th Plenary Meeting of the 6th National Congress of the CCP was held, which resulted in Li being replaced by Mif's protégé, Wang Ming, and his associates taking key positions.

What was the outcome of the 4th Plenary Meeting of the 6th National Congress of the CCP?

The 4th Plenary Meeting of the 6th National Congress of the CCP, held under the direction of Pavel Mif, resulted in Li Lisan being replaced by Wang Ming, a protégé of Mif, and Wang Ming's associates securing important roles within the party leadership.

What kind of treatment did Li Lisan endure in Moscow over the next 15 years?

After being summoned to Moscow, Li Lisan faced approximately 15 years of severe hardship, including rounds of reprimand, criticism, and purges. The Communist Party of the Soviet Union even refused to accept him as a CCP member for several years, and he was persecuted by Wang Ming and Kang Sheng.

Whom did Li Lisan marry while in Moscow?

While in Moscow, Li Lisan met and married Lisa Kishkin (also known as Elizaveta Pavlovna Kishkina), a Russian noblewoman and typesetter. She later migrated to China with him.

When was Li Lisan elected to the Central Committee and sent back to China?

Li Lisan was elected as a member of the Central Committee of the CCP at the 7th National Congress held in Yan'an. He was sent back to China in 1946.

What key positions did Li Lisan hold after the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949?

After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Li Lisan was appointed Minister of Labour and led the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. He was also a founder of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and served as secretary general of the Anti Air Defence Council during the Korean War.

What stance did Li Lisan take regarding trade unions, and how did it conflict with Mao Zedong?

Li Lisan remained an advocate for the independence of trade unions. This stance brought him into conflict with Mao Zedong, who had different views on the role and autonomy of these organizations.

What was Li Lisan's role during the Korean War?

During the Korean War, Li Lisan was appointed as the secretary general of the Anti Air Defence Council. His ranking was equivalent to that of a vice-premier, likely due to his prior experience with anti-air attacks during his time in Moscow.

How did the Sino-Soviet split affect Li Lisan's situation?

The Sino-Soviet split in the 1960s led to a worsening of Li Lisan's circumstances. Despite his wife's demonstration of loyalty by becoming a Chinese national, the political climate became more difficult for him.

How was Li Lisan treated during the Cultural Revolution, and what accusations were made against him?

During the Cultural Revolution, Li Lisan was denounced by Kang Sheng, his political rival. He was labeled an agent of the Soviet Union and subjected to severe mental and physical torture by the Red Guards. His wife and daughters were also imprisoned.

What are the reported circumstances of Li Lisan's death?

The accepted account is that Li Lisan committed suicide by taking sleeping pills after enduring humiliation and torture during the Cultural Revolution, leaving behind a final letter to Mao.

Who cast doubt on the official account of Li Lisan's death, and why?

Li Lisan's biographer, Patrick Lescot, cast doubt on the official account of his death. Additionally, Li's personal secretary, Li Sishen, questioned the possibility of Li having access to enough pills for suicide and recalled Li dismissing the notion as laughable.

What issues were raised regarding Li Lisan's autopsy report?

In 1980, Li Lisan's family was allowed to read his autopsy report, which contained errors, such as incorrectly listing his height by 15 cm. These inaccuracies further fueled the family's doubts about the accepted version of his death.

What official recognition did Li Lisan receive after his death?

Following his death, the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party held a memorial meeting for Li Lisan. In 1983, the Hubei Provincial Committee conducted an investigation into his death, though it yielded no definitive conclusions.

What was the outcome of the investigation into Li Lisan's death in Hubei?

The investigation into Li Lisan's death conducted by the Hubei Provincial Committee in 1983 was fruitless, and the circumstances surrounding his death remain unsolved.

Who was Li Lisan's father, and what was his profession?

Li Lisan's father was named Li Changgui, and he worked as a teacher. He played a role in Li Lisan's early education by teaching him traditional Chinese poems and classics.

What educational institutions did Li Lisan attend?

Li Lisan attended Lujiang Middle School, Changjun High School, and Guangyi High School.

What was Li Lisan's primary political affiliation?

Li Lisan's primary political affiliation was with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Who were Li Lisan's spouses and children mentioned in the text?

The text mentions Li Lisan's spouses as Lin Xingxian, Li Yichun, Li Chongshan, and Lisa Kishkin. His children listed are Li Renjun, Li Renji, Li Jing, Li Li, Xie Zhipei, Li Yingnan, and Li Yanlan.

What position did Li Lisan hold in the Central People's Government Committee of the People's Republic of China?

Li Lisan served as a member of the Central People's Government Committee of the People's Republic of China from the 1st Plenary Session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference until 1954.

What role did Li Lisan serve in the Government Administration Council of the Central People's Government?

Li Lisan served as a member of the Government Administration Council of the Central People's Government from October 21, 1949, to September 12, 1954.

What was the tenure of Li Lisan as Head of the Publicity Department of the Chinese Communist Party?

Li Lisan served as the Head of the Publicity Department of the Chinese Communist Party from November 1928 to December 1930.

For what period did Li Lisan serve as acting General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party under Xiang Zhongfa?

Li Lisan served as the acting General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party under Xiang Zhongfa from 1929 to 1930, handling the daily operations of the party headquarters.

What does the photograph of Li Lisan with his family depict?

The photograph shows Li Lisan alongside his Russian wife and their daughter, offering a glimpse into his personal life during his career.

Li Lisan Wiki: Li Lisan: A Revolutionary Architect's Journey

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Early Life and Ideals

Origins and Education

Born Li Longzhi in Liling County, Hunan province, in 1899, Li Lisan's early education was guided by his father, a teacher who instilled traditional Chinese classics. His intellectual journey led him to Changsha, where he encountered Mao Zedong, forging a significant early connection.

Exposure to Communism

Sponsored to study in Beijing and subsequently in France, Li worked as a boilermaker to fund his education. In France, he was exposed to communist ideals through his union activities and embraced the ideology, becoming actively involved in advocating for Chinese labor rights.

Return and Party Induction

Expelled from France in 1921, Li returned to Shanghai and was introduced to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) by Chen Duxiu. His organizational talents were soon recognized, leading to his assignment to lead labor activities at the Anyuan Coal Mine.

Foundational Activism

Anyuan Coal Mine Leadership

At Anyuan, Li Lisan, working alongside Liu Shaoqi, significantly expanded CCP membership and refined organizational methods. His leadership was so effective that a Nationalist report noted the deep-rooted foundation of the Party there, attributing it to Li's comprehensive "red education" and organizational initiatives.

Wuhan and Nanchang Uprising

In 1926, Li moved to Wuhan, the center of labor movements, where he assumed significant decision-making authority. Following the KMT-CCP alliance split in 1927, Li was instrumental in proposing the Nanchang Uprising and served as director of security guards, demonstrating early revolutionary resolve.

Ascension and the 'Li Lisan Line'

Politburo and Propaganda

At the CCP's 6th National Congress, Li's associate Xiang Zhongfa became General Secretary. Li's influence grew, leading to his appointment as a standing member of the Politburo and Minister of the Propaganda Department in 1928, replacing Cai Hesen.

Ideological Extremism

Responding to Comintern directives for anti-rightism, Li advocated for an extremist approach, promoting armed urban uprisings and national revolution. This "Li Lisan line" led to the capture of Changsha in July 1930 but was quickly suppressed by Nationalist forces, highlighting its strategic miscalculation.

Internal Opposition

Li's authoritarian style and the failure of his revolutionary strategy generated significant opposition within the CCP. The return of the "28 Bolsheviks" from Moscow, designated by their mentors, further challenged Li's position, creating a complex internal political landscape.

Downfall and Exile

Comintern Intervention

The Comintern, disagreeing with Li's assessment of the revolutionary peak and his policies, summoned him to Moscow. Pavel Mif, a key Comintern official and mentor to the "28 Bolsheviks," played a role in Li's eventual replacement by Wang Ming at a critical CCP plenary meeting.

Moscow and Persecution

In Moscow, Li faced prolonged criticism, reprimand, and purges for over 15 years. He was even denied membership in the Soviet Communist Party for a period. During this time, he met and married Lisa Kishkin, a Russian noblewoman.

Post-War Reintegration

Return and Re-election

Li was elected to the CCP Central Committee at the 7th National Congress and returned to China in 1946. He initially worked in Northeast China, leading the City Work Department, and later served as chief representative for the CCP on a KMT-US military arbitration panel.

Labor Leadership in the PRC

Following the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Li was appointed Minister of Labour, leading the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. He was a founder of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and served on the Anti Air Defence Council during the Korean War.

Advocacy and Conflict

Li remained a proponent of independent trade unions, a stance that brought him into conflict with Mao Zedong. He served as the first president of the China Institute of Industrial Relations and Vice Chairman of the ACFTU until 1958.

Later Years and Enduring Legacy

Sino-Soviet Split and Denouncement

The Sino-Soviet split in the 1960s intensified scrutiny on Li. During the Cultural Revolution, Kang Sheng denounced him as a Soviet agent, leading to severe mental and physical torture by Red Guards. His wife and daughters were also imprisoned.

Controversial Death

Officially reported as suicide by sleeping pills, the circumstances of Li Lisan's death in 1967 remain debated. His secretary, Li Sishen, questioned the possibility of access to sufficient medication, and autopsy report discrepancies further fueled doubts. The CCP Central Committee later held a memorial meeting for him.

Historical Reassessment

In 1980, the CCP's Organization Department reviewed Li's case, and in 1983, the Hubei Provincial Committee investigated his death, though the findings were inconclusive. His complex role in the CCP's history continues to be a subject of academic study and debate.

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References

Elizabeth J. Perry, "Anyuan: Mining China's Revolutionary Tradition," The Asia-Pacific Journal 11.1 (January 14, 2013 2013).

Tony Saich, From Rebel to Ruler: One Hundred Years of the Chinese Communist Party, Harvard University Press. 2021

A full list of references for this article are available at the Li Lisan Wikipedia page

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Li Lisan: A Revolutionary Architect's Journey

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Early Life and Ideals 📜

🇨🇳 Origins and Education

🇫🇷 Exposure to Communism

🤝 Return and Party Induction

Foundational Activism 💼

⛏️ Anyuan Coal Mine Leadership

🏙️ Wuhan and Nanchang Uprising

Ascension and the 'Li Lisan Line' 📈

🗣️ Politburo and Propaganda

🔥 Ideological Extremism

💥 Internal Opposition

Downfall and Exile 📉

📉 Comintern Intervention

⏳ Moscow and Persecution

Post-War Reintegration 🏛️

🇨🇳 Return and Re-election

👷 Labor Leadership in the PRC

💡 Advocacy and Conflict

Later Years and Enduring Legacy 🌟

⚔️ Sino-Soviet Split and Denouncement

❓ Controversial Death

⚖️ Historical Reassessment

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life and Ideals

Origins and Education

Exposure to Communism

Return and Party Induction

Foundational Activism

Anyuan Coal Mine Leadership

Wuhan and Nanchang Uprising

Ascension and the 'Li Lisan Line'

Politburo and Propaganda

Ideological Extremism

Internal Opposition

Downfall and Exile

Comintern Intervention

Moscow and Persecution

Post-War Reintegration

Return and Re-election

Labor Leadership in the PRC

Advocacy and Conflict

Later Years and Enduring Legacy

Sino-Soviet Split and Denouncement

Controversial Death

Historical Reassessment

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice