Yanan Through Papered Propaganda: Establishing a Cultural Hub in the Early 1940s

Abstract

In the early 1940s, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) strategically employed Yanan-centric propaganda to forge a narrative deeply rooted in the loess plateau, laying the foundation for subsequent cultural movements. After the arrival of the cohort of CCP forces in Yanan, the reduction in their numbers prioritized their mission to recruit talent and bolster their forces to compensate for the losses. With the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War in 1937, Yan'an gained recognition and external support as the capital of the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region. However, it encountered challenges associated with growing reliance, particularly after the New Fourth Army Incident in 1941. As a result, the CCP shifted towards self-reliance, instituting policies aimed at reducing land and interest rates. Simultaneously, cultural clubs were organized to foster a "free" environment for intellectuals, promoting the coexistence of farmers, troops, and intellectuals to boost local morale. Rather than categorizing the CCPs decision to host the Yanan Conference on Literature and Art as mere coincidence or deliberate planning, this article redirects focus toward understanding the cultural ambiance that prevailed in the city leading up to the conference. Through an exploration of the factors contributing to Yanans emergence as a crucible of cultural activities, this paper seeks to unravel the intricate dynamics shaping its cultural landscape.