Mao Tse-Tung - On Guerrilla Warfare (1937) - Mao's Revolution Through Guerrilla Warfare - HQ Full Book.

"On Guerrilla Warfare" (1937) by Mao Tse-Tung is a seminal work in revolutionary military strategy, particularly in the context of guerrilla warfare. Written during the Chinese Civil War, it was Mao’s response to the Nationalist government’s stronger and better-equipped army. The book serves as a detailed guide on how to organize and conduct guerrilla warfare, especially for revolutionary forces fighting against a superior and more traditional military. Mao’s writings on guerrilla tactics not only influenced the outcome of the Chinese Civil War, but also had a lasting impact on revolutionary movements worldwide.

Mao’s work is rooted in Marxist-Leninist ideology and emphasizes the connection between revolutionary political theory and military tactics. He views guerrilla warfare not as a separate military strategy, but as a crucial part of a larger revolutionary movement aimed at mobilizing the masses and overthrowing oppressive regimes. In *On Guerrilla Warfare*, Mao outlines how guerrilla forces can succeed against a conventional army, provided they follow the correct principles of strategy, discipline, and political organization. The book is not just a military manual, but also a political treatise that stresses the importance of mass support and the central role of ideology in the success of revolutionary warfare.

**Chapter Summaries**
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**1. What Is Guerrilla Warfare?**
In the first chapter, Mao defines guerrilla warfare as a form of irregular combat conducted by small, mobile groups using tactics such as ambushes and raids. He distinguishes guerrilla warfare from conventional warfare, emphasizing that it is a means for weaker forces to combat stronger enemies. Mao explains that guerrilla warfare is rooted in flexibility, mobility, and surprise. He views it as an integral part of revolutionary warfare, particularly for oppressed peoples facing stronger, entrenched military powers. According to Mao, guerrilla warfare allows the people to rise up and challenge a technologically superior enemy through unconventional means, making use of their intimate knowledge of local terrain and gaining the support of the local population.
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**2. The Political Problems of Guerrilla Warfare**
In this chapter, Mao stresses that guerrilla warfare is not just a military issue but also a political one. He argues that the success of guerrilla operations depends on the political objectives and the support of the masses. Guerrilla fighters, in Mao’s view, are political soldiers who must be committed to the revolutionary cause. Their actions must align with the broader goals of the revolutionary movement, and they must work to gain the trust, support, and participation of the people. Mao stresses that without popular support, guerrilla warfare will fail. The people's participation provides not only fighters but also supplies, intelligence, and shelter, all of which are vital to the survival and effectiveness of guerrilla units.
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**3. Guerrilla Warfare and the Strategic Defense**
Mao moves on to discuss how guerrilla warfare fits into the larger strategic goals of a revolutionary movement. He describes guerrilla warfare as part of a protracted struggle, one that must be seen as a complement to conventional military operations. Guerrilla warfare, in Mao's view, is especially useful during the defensive stage of a revolutionary war, when the revolutionary forces are at their weakest. At this stage, guerrillas can harass, wear down, and weaken the enemy through hit-and-run tactics, thus avoiding direct confrontation with a stronger force. Mao stresses that guerrillas must remain flexible and adaptable, always choosing the time and place of engagements to their advantage.
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**4. Organization of Guerrilla Units**
This chapter provides practical guidance on the structure and organization of guerrilla forces. Mao outlines how guerrilla units should be organized into small, highly mobile groups, each capable of operating independently. He emphasizes that guerrilla fighters must be disciplined, with a clear chain of command and a system of accountability. Mao also highlights the importance of self-sufficiency, arguing that guerrilla units must be able to obtain food, weapons, and other supplies from local sources without becoming a burden on the civilian population. The organization of guerrilla units must also reflect the political nature of the war, with political officers appointed to ensure that the revolutionary objectives remain at the forefront of the fighters' minds.
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**5. The Relation of Guerrilla Warfare to Regular Warfare**
Mao emphasizes the complementary relationship between guerrilla and conventional forces. He argues that guerrilla warfare should not be seen as a separate or inferior form of combat, but as an integral part of a larger strategy. Guerrilla forces should work alongside regular military units to weaken the enemy through continuous harassment and sabotage. Mao also points out that guerrilla warfare is a transitional stage; once the enemy is sufficiently weakened, the guerrillas should gradually evolve into more conventional forces capable of engaging in direct, large-scale confrontations. This transformation is crucial to the eventual victory of the revolutionary forces.
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**6. Tactics of Guerrilla Warfare**
In this chapter, Mao discusses specific guerrilla tactics, such as ambushes, sabotage, and raids. He emphasizes the importance of surprise and flexibility, arguing that guerrilla fighters must avoid direct confrontations with larger, better-equipped enemy forces. Instead, they should focus on attacking vulnerable targets, such as supply lines and isolated enemy units. Mao also highlights the importance of speed, mobility, and deception, explaining that guerrilla fighters must always remain one step ahead of the enemy, striking quickly and then disappearing before the enemy can retaliate. He provides detailed advice on how to select targets, plan operations, and maintain the element of surprise.
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**7. Guerrilla Warfare in China’s Resistance Against Japan**
Here, Mao applies his theories of guerrilla warfare to the specific context of China's resistance against Japanese occupation. He argues that guerrilla warfare is the most effective way for the Chinese people to resist the technologically superior Japanese forces. Mao describes how guerrilla units can disrupt Japanese supply lines, sabotage communication networks, and harass Japanese troops, gradually weakening their hold on occupied territories. He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong political leadership within the guerrilla movement and ensuring that the guerrilla fighters remain committed to the larger goal of national liberation.
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**8. The Role of the Masses in Guerrilla Warfare**
Mao dedicates an entire chapter to the critical role of the masses in guerrilla warfare. He argues that guerrilla fighters must have the support of the people to succeed, as the civilian population provides essential resources such as food, shelter, intelligence, and new recruits. Mao stresses the importance of winning the trust and loyalty of the people by treating them with respect and addressing their needs. He warns that guerrilla fighters who alienate the population will quickly find themselves isolated and vulnerable. For Mao, the relationship between the guerrilla fighters and the masses is the key to victory in any revolutionary struggle.
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**9. The Future of Guerrilla Warfare**
In the final chapter, Mao reflects on the future role of guerrilla warfare in revolutionary movements around the world. He argues that as long as oppressed peoples continue to face powerful military forces, guerrilla warfare will remain an essential tool of resistance. Mao also emphasizes that guerrilla warfare is not a static doctrine but a dynamic and evolving form of combat that must be adapted to the specific conditions of each conflict. He encourages future revolutionaries to study the principles of guerrilla warfare and apply them creatively to their own struggles for liberation.
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**Conclusion:**
*On Guerrilla Warfare* by Mao Tse-Tung remains one of the most influential works on irregular warfare. Combining Marxist-Leninist theory with practical military strategy, Mao provides a comprehensive guide to conducting guerrilla warfare in the context of revolutionary struggle. His emphasis on the political nature of guerrilla warfare, the importance of mass support, and the necessity of adapting tactics to the situation on the ground has made this book a cornerstone of revolutionary military thought. Mao’s ideas continue to inspire insurgent movements around the world and serve as a key reference for those studying asymmetric warfare.

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