Mao Dun

Mao Dun (July 4, 1896–March 27, 1981) was the pen name of Shen Dehong, a 20th century Chinese novelist, cultural critic, and journalist.

Political life

Inspired by the October Revolution of 1917 in Russia, Mao Dun took part in the May Fourth Movement in China. In 1920, he joined the Shanghai Communist Team, and helped to establish the Chinese Communist Party in 1921. At first, he worked as a liaison for the party. He also wrote for the party magazine 'The Communist Party' (共產黨).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

At the same time, Mao Dun participated in Chiang Kai-shek's Northern Expedition (1926-1928), the main purpose was to unite the country. He quit, however, when Chiang's Kuomintang broke with the Communists.In July 1928, he went to Japan in order to take refuge. As he returned to China in 1930, he joined the League of the Left-Wing Writers. Later, China went to war with Japan and he actively engaged in resisting the Japanese attack in 1937. In 1949, the communist government took over and he was responsible for working as Mao Zedong's secretary and Culture Minister until 1964.

Related Topics:
Chiang Kai-shek - Northern Expedition - Kuomintang - Broke with the Communists - Mao Zedong

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~