Chapter 04 Served in the army for six months 1911-1912

Journalist: “I heard that you served in the military. When did you join and how long did you serve?”

Mao: “On October 10, 1911, the Wuchang Uprising broke out, quickly evolving into the Xinhai Revolution. Filled with revolutionary fervor, a few classmates and I planned to go to Wuhan to join the New Army. However, in late October, an uprising also erupted in Changsha, with Tan Yankai becoming the new provincial governor. So, I joined the army as a private in Changsha in late October. I received basic training but didn’t undertake any specific tasks. I was paid 7 yuan per month as a soldier, and with some remaining money, I bought books and newspapers to read. I remember during that time, it was the first time I encountered the term ‘socialism’ in an article by China’s first socialist, Jiang Kanghu. Most of the soldiers I saw at the time were uneducated and rough, with few high school graduates like myself. On February 12, 1912, the Qing Emperor announced his abdication, and the revolution succeeded. I felt that continuing to be a soldier didn’t hold much meaning for me. I wanted to pursue my path in life and continue studying. So, on February 15, 1912, I officially left the military. In reality, I served for only four months.”