Origins & Early Life

Zhang Guotao (simplified Chinese: 张国焘; traditional Chinese: 張國燾, or Chang Kuo-tao; November 26, 1897 – December 3, 1979) was a Chinese revolutionary who was a founding member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and rival to Mao Zedong. During the 1920s, he studied in the Soviet Union and became a key contact with the Communist International, organizing the CCP labor movement in the First United Front with the Kuomintang. From 1931 to 1932, after the CCP had been driven from the cities, Zhang was placed in charge of the Eyuwan Soviet. When his armies were driven from the region, he joined the Long March but lost a contentious struggle for party leadership to Mao Zedong.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Zhang's armies then took a different route from Mao's and were badly beaten by local Muslim Ma clique forces in Gansu. When his depleted forces finally arrived to join Mao in Yan'an, Zhang continued his losing challenge to Mao, and left the party in 1938. Zhang eventually retired to Canada in 1968. He became a Christian shortly before his death in Scarborough, Ontario (a suburb of Toronto), in 1979. His memoirs provide valuable and vivid information on his life and party history.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Born in...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Amelia Earhart — Contemporary (Born in 1897) (1897): Iconic American aviator whose pioneering flights shaped early 20th-century aviation.
• Daniel K. Ludwig — Contemporary (Born in 1897) (1897): American shipping and industrial tycoon known for pioneering global ventures.
• Dorothy Day — Contemporary (Born in 1897) (1897): Pioneering Catholic social activist and anarchist championing direct aid for the poor.
• Aaliyah — Contemporary (Born in 1979) (1979): Pioneering R&B artist known for redefining urban pop and hip hop sounds.
• Adam Brody — Contemporary (Born in 1979) (1979): American actor known for roles in The O.C., Shazam!, and StartUp.
• Agostinho Neto — Contemporary (Died in 1979) (1979): Angolan communist revolutionary, poet, and first President of Angola.
• Adam Mickiewicz — Shared historical date (11-26 · Died) (1855): National Poet of Poland, Romantic master, and leading voice of Slavic literature.
• Bernard Lonergan — Shared historical date (11-26 · Died) (1984): Influential Canadian Jesuit philosopher and theologian of the 20th century.
• Anna Freud — Shared historical date (12-03 · Born) (1895): Pioneering psychoanalyst known for child psychology and ego theory.
• Anton Webern — Shared historical date (12-03 · Born) (1883): Radical modernist composer of the Second Viennese School, known for atonal and twelve-tone techniques.
• 1897 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1897
• November 26 (11-26) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 26
• 1979 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1979
• December 3 (12-03) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 3