A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire (January 1930) (Part Two)

A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire (January 1930) (Part Two)

From People's History of Ideas Podcast by Matthew Rothwell

March 21, 2026 · 31 min · Season 1 · Episode 135

About this episode

The episode concludes the analysis of Mao's letter discussing revolutionary tactics and self-criticism.

We conclude our close reading of Mao’s January 5, 1930 letter to Lin Biao. In this episode, Mao discusses his method for understanding the possibilities for revolution in China, as well as the particular tactics to be employed by the Red Army. He also conducts a minor self-criticism. Further reading: Stuart Schram, ed., Mao’s Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930 Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, ...

People in this episode

Host: Matthew Rothwell

Topics covered

  • revolution
  • China
  • Red Army
  • self-criticism
  • Mao Zedong
  • political tactics

Keywords

  • Mao
  • Lin Biao
  • revolution
  • Red Army
  • self-criticism
  • political tactics
  • China

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Mao’s Road to Power, Mao Zedong: A Biography

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