He Long, Chinese general and politician, 1st Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China (d. 1969)
He Long (simplified Chinese: 贺龙; traditional Chinese: 賀龍; pinyin: Hè Lóng; Wade–Giles: Ho Lung), a name etched into the annals of modern Chinese history, was a formidable Chinese Communist revolutionary and one of the esteemed Ten Marshals of the People's Liberation Army. Born on March 22, 1896, and passing on June 9, 1969, his life journey was a testament to the turbulent and transformative era of China.

From Humble Beginnings to Revolutionary Fire

Hailing from a poor rural family in Hunan province, a region often considered a cradle of revolutionaries, He Long's early life was marked by hardship. The family's circumstances meant he was denied any formal education, a common plight for many in rural China at the time. Yet, destiny had a different path in store for him, one ignited by a deeply personal tragedy. His revolutionary career dramatically began after he avenged the death of his uncle, an act that forced him to flee and become an outlaw. It was in this unconventional start that he began to gather a small, loyal personal army around him, laying the groundwork for his future military leadership.

The Shifting Tides: KMT, Rebellion, and the Nanchang Uprising

As the political landscape of China shifted, He Long and his growing forces initially aligned with the Kuomintang (KMT) and actively participated in the pivotal Northern Expedition, a crucial campaign to unify China under KMT rule. However, this alliance was short-lived. When Chiang Kai-shek, the leader of the KMT, initiated a violent suppression of Communists, He Long made a decisive break. Displaying his commitment to the Communist cause, he meticulously planned and led the Nanchang Uprising in August 1927, a significant early armed rebellion against the KMT, though ultimately unsuccessful in its immediate aims. This event is often regarded as the birth of the People's Liberation Army.

Perseverance Through Adversity: The Long March

Following the Nanchang Uprising, He Long's resilience was severely tested. He managed to escape the KMT's clutches and dedicated himself to organizing a "soviet" – a self-governing workers' and peasants' council – in rural Hunan, and later in Guizhou. However, the relentless pressure from Chiang's Encirclement Campaigns, designed to crush the nascent Communist bases, forced him to abandon these hard-won territories. A pivotal moment in his life, and indeed in Chinese Communist history, came in 1935 when He Long joined the legendary Long March. He embarked on this epic strategic retreat over a year after the forces led by Mao Zedong and Zhu De had begun their arduous journey. During this historic march, he encountered forces led by Zhang Guotao. Crucially, He Long disagreed with Zhang's strategic vision for the Red Army and, demonstrating his astute political and military judgment, led his own forces to join and staunchly support Mao Zedong, a decision that would prove vital to the Communist Party's future.

Wartime Leadership and Post-1949 Contributions

After the Red Army finally settled and established its headquarters in Shaanxi, He Long transitioned into a key leadership role, commanding guerrilla forces across Northwest China. He played a significant part in both the protracted Chinese Civil War and the challenging Second Sino-Japanese War, consistently proving successful in expanding areas of Communist control. By the end of 1945, his command had swelled to an impressive 170,000 troops. At this juncture, his force was placed under the overall command of Peng Dehuai, with He Long serving as Peng's highly respected second-in-command. As the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, He Long's strategic importance was further recognized. He was placed in control of Southwest China in the late 1940s and dedicated most of the 1950s to administering the vast region, effectively balancing both civilian and military responsibilities during a critical period of consolidation for the new nation.

A Marshal's Legacy and Tragic End

Throughout the early years of the People's Republic of China, He Long held a multitude of influential civilian and military positions, contributing immensely to the nation-building efforts. In 1955, his extraordinary contributions to the victory of the Communist Party were formally acknowledged when he was bestowed with the prestigious title of one of the Ten Marshals, the highest military rank in the People's Liberation Army. Concurrently, he served as China's vice premier, holding significant power and responsibility within the government. A man of principle, He Long did not shy away from expressing dissent when he felt it was right. In 1959, he notably did not support Mao Zedong's attempts to purge Marshal Peng Dehuai and even bravely attempted to rehabilitate Peng, showcasing his loyalty and integrity. However, this principled stance would eventually contribute to his tragic downfall. When the tumultuous Cultural Revolution was declared in 1966, He Long, despite his decorated past and immense contributions, became one of the first prominent leaders of the People's Liberation Army to be brutally purged. Stripped of his positions and persecuted, he tragically died on June 9, 1969. His death was officially attributed to complications from untreated diabetes, exacerbated by a glucose injection administered by his jailers, a poignant and grim end to the life of a revolutionary legend.

Frequently Asked Questions about He Long

Who was He Long?

He Long was a prominent Chinese Communist revolutionary and one of the Ten Marshals of the People's Liberation Army, known for his military leadership during the Chinese Civil War and the Second Sino-Japanese War, and his significant contributions to the founding of the People's Republic of China.

When was He Long born and when did he die?

He Long was born on March 22, 1896, and he passed away on June 9, 1969.

What was He Long's role in the Nanchang Uprising?

He Long was a key leader who planned and led the Nanchang Uprising in August 1927, an early armed rebellion against the Kuomintang that is considered a foundational event for the People's Liberation Army.

Did He Long participate in the Long March?

Yes, He Long joined the historic Long March in 1935, and during this arduous retreat, he strategically aligned his forces with Mao Zedong after disagreeing with Zhang Guotao's strategy.

What significant positions did He Long hold after 1949?

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, He Long held numerous civilian and military roles, including being placed in control of Southwest China, being named one of the Ten Marshals in 1955, and serving as China's vice premier.

What led to He Long's death?

He Long was purged during the Cultural Revolution in 1966. He died in 1969 from complications of untreated diabetes, exacerbated by a glucose injection provided by his jailers while he was imprisoned.