The Long March commenced as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) found itself under severe pressure from the Nationalist forces, known as the Kuomintang (KMT), led by Chiang Kai-shek. After repeated attempts to eliminate the communist stronghold in Jiangxi province, the Nationalists intensified their encirclement tactics. Faced with dwindling resources and mounting casualties, the Communist leaders made a bold decision to retreat, setting in motion the Long March, which would become a pivotal event in the party's history. The march began on October 16, 1934, and involved approximately 86,000 soldiers and supporters. The initial goal was to reach the province of Shaanxi, where they hoped to establish a new base of operations.

As the march progressed, the Red Army faced numerous challenges. The harsh terrain, which included mountains, rivers, and hostile territories, resulted in arduous conditions that tested the limits of the soldiers’ endurance. Starvation, disease, and the constant threat of Nationalist forces contributed to significant losses. Reports indicate that by the end of the march, only a fraction of the original marchers reached their destination, with estimates suggesting that fewer than 10,000 individuals survived the journey.

Despite these hardships, the Long March symbolized the resilience and determination of the CCP. It allowed the party to regroup and reorganize, turning the survivors into a dedicated cadre that would lead the revolution in subsequent years. Moreover, the experience forged a deep connection between Mao Zedong and the Communist base, establishing him as a central figure within the party, shifting party dynamics towards a Maoist ideology, which emphasized peasant-based revolution over previous urban focus. The Long March therefore not only marked a physical retreat but also paved the way for the eventual CCP rise to power in 1949.