The Axe Gang is real, but they are not gangsters, so what do they do?

Mondo History Updated on 2024-01-29

Recently, a story about Shanghai's "Axe Gang" has attracted widespread attention and discussion on the Internet. As soon as this gang appeared in Stephen Chow's movie "Kung Fu", it became a highlight of the film with its ** image and bad behavior. However, few people realize that the "Axe Gang" is not entirely fictional, in fact it was once real and known.

It is understood that Wang Yaqiao, the founder of the Axe Gang, founded this organization in 1921, and the original intention was to help workers ask for wages. At that time, workers were often oppressed and owed wages by big capitalists, and Wang Yaqiao felt that his family's experience of being bullied by landlords was similar to his previous experience, and he was determined to stand up for fair treatment for the workers. As a result, after he took over the Anhui Association of Fellow Villagers in Shanghai, the Axe Gang grew rapidly, and its members reached more than 100,000 in a short period of time. Gang members then rushed into the capitalists' homes with axes to demand justice for the workers. This aggressive approach frightened the capitalists, who had to pay back the workers' wages and apologize to them. As a result, the reputation of the Axe Gang spread throughout Shanghai, and even the leaders of the Green Gang at that time did not dare to provoke them.

With the change of the times, the responsibilities of the Axe Gang are no longer limited to the defense of workers' rights, and they have begun to appear as "iron-blooded gangs". During this period, Wang Yaqiao planned a number of assassinations of unjust, false and wrongly decided cases, including Xu Guoliang, director of the Songhu Department of the direct warlord, Zhao Tieqiao, general office of the Shanghai Merchants Bureau, Earl Lytton, head of the investigation team of the League of Nations, and some figures who were interested in the interests of the family or only cared about their own interests and disregarded the general interests of the country, such as Wang Jingwei, Song Ziwen, Chiang Kai-shek, etc. The Axe Gang even threatened Zhang Xueliang to either return to the Northeast to fight against the Japanese and take back the country, or donate his family property to support the anti-Japanese resistance, otherwise he would be destroyed. The incident sparked controversy over the actions of the Axe Gang, with some praising them for their contributions to the country and others arguing that their methods were too extreme.

However, the glory days of the Axe Gang did not last long. It is rumored that their demise was closely related to Dai Li. After Dai Li learned about Wang Yaqiao's character, he decided to force Yu Likui, a subordinate of the Axe Gang, to cooperate with him in order to capture Wang Yaqiao. In the face of Dai Li's threat, Yu Likui resolutely refused, but his wife Yu Wanjun was bribed by Dai Li's heavy money and promised to cooperate with Dai Li. In the end, Yu Wanjun lured Wang Yaqiao to his home and contacted more than a dozen of Dai Li's subordinates, and Wang Yaqiao was attacked and killed shortly after entering the door. This also means that a generation of heroes has passed away, and Yu Wanjun was killed by the military commander's agents soon after, paying the price for her own betrayal.

This true story has piqued the public's interest and thinking. People have different opinions about the Axe Gang, with some seeing them as heroes for the sake of the people, while others think their methods are too cruel and radical. However, no matter how you judge it, the existence and activities of the Axe Gang undoubtedly had a huge impact on the society at that time. With their attitude of defying power and safeguarding the rights and interests of vulnerable groups, they have injected a spirit of justice into society. And their actions have also triggered people's reflection on social fairness and justice.

The whole incident also raises a series of questions. The rise of the Axe Gang is closely related to social inequality, do you think that in the current society, is there still a need for organizations like the Axe Gang?If there is a similar organization, how should its power be balanced with the rationality of its actions?In addition, the story of the rise and fall of the Axe Gang also reminds us that in the pursuit of justice, power and interests exist, and how should we avoid falling into the price of extinction of conscience?

Up, the existence and story of the Axe Gang left a deep impression on people. They upheld the spirit of justice, responsibility and fearlessness of power, which brought a ray of light to the society at that time. Although their methods are sometimes overly aggressive, their significance is undeniable. The history of the Axe Gang is not only a story, but also a mirror that reflects social phenomena and human nature. By reflecting on this history, we may be able to better face the problems existing in the current society and make better contributions to the progress and development of society.

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