In the history of China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Eighth Route Army is a widely known name. But have you ever wondered why this army is called the "Eighth Route Army" and not the Seventh Route Army or the Ninth Route Army? This seemingly simple question actually contains an unknown history.
The Eighth Route Army, known as the Eighth Route Army of the National Revolutionary Army, was one of the anti-Japanese armed forces under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. On August 22, 1937, according to the agreement reached between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party on cooperation against Japan, the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army was reorganized into the Eighth Route Army of the National Revolutionary Army. So, why did you choose the name "Eighth Route Army"?
First of all, the name "Eighth Route Army" is related to the military establishment in ancient China. In ancient China, the establishment of armies was usually named after numbers, such as "Eighth Route Army", "Ninth Route Army", etc. Therefore, the choice of the name "Eighth Route Army" can remind people of the heroic army of ancient China, and enhance the sense of history and honor of this anti-Japanese armed force.
Secondly, the name "Eighth Route Army" is also related to the strategic considerations of the Chinese Communist Party. In the early days of the War of Resistance Against Japan, the Red Army led by the Communist Party of China was relatively weak and needed to cooperate with the Kuomintang army to jointly fight against the Japanese invaders. The choice of the name "Eighth Route Army" can make people mistakenly believe that this is the establishment of a Kuomintang army, thus reducing the hostility and rejection of this anti-Japanese armed force by the Kuomintang army.
Finally, the name "Eighth Route Army" is also associated with the political considerations of the Chinese Communist Party. During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Communist Party of China needed to unite all forces that could be united to jointly resist the Japanese invaders. The choice of the name "Eighth Route Army" can make people feel the breadth and representativeness of this anti-Japanese armed force, and thus attract more people to join the anti-Japanese struggle.
In short, the name "Eighth Route Army" was chosen taking into account both historical traditions and strategic and political factors. This name not only reflects the bravery and determination of this anti-Japanese armed force, but also won wide support and recognition for the Communist Party of China in the War of Resistance against Japan.