Training a National Army in Time of Civil War

The attempt of United States government personnel in postwar China to effect an end to the resumption of the civil war by offering military training and support to both sides foundered on the assumptions of both the Nationalists and Communists that each would be victorious in the conflict. Nonetheless an American military training mission was authorized. The American goal was to establish a democratic, economically viable nation with a modern military to offset the expansion of Soviet influence in Asia.The goals of the Nationalist government did not necessarily align with those of the United States, although support and aid were continuously sought. However, the Nationalist political and organizationalstructure was difficult to adapt to American models even when the Chinese saw an advantage in doing so. For reasons explored in this chapter, the mission failed.