How Edgar Snow's Journey Changed Perceptions of China During the Long March

Edgar Snow's Influence on the Long March Narratives

Over ninety years ago, the completion of the Long March marked a significant shift in China's historical narrative, largely thanks to American journalist Edgar Snow. In northern Shaanxi's rugged hills, where this political exodus ended, Snow embarked on a journey that would illuminate the realities of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to the world.

Recently, the nephew of Snow, Eric Foster, visited China and shared insights on his uncle's legacy. During his trip, he met with Zhavier Harris, a communications manager who retraced the Long March route, discussing the profound impact of Snow’s writings. The dialogues took place in a cave dwelling that was significant for Snow, where he had extensive conversations with Mao Zedong in 1936.

Harris, who discovered the Long March during his studies at Hampton University, later embarked on an adventurous journey along the historical route within a span of 47 days. Snow was the first foreign correspondent to venture into the heart of revolutionary China, offering a narrative that countered the prevailing depiction of the Red Army as 'red bandits' crafted by the Kuomintang government's propaganda.

One of the iconic moments highlighted by Foster was the famous 1936 portrait of Mao Zedong taken by Snow. During a personal interaction, Snow helped Mao by trimming his hair and even lent him his own cap for the photograph, a gesture of camaraderie that emphasized the rapport between the journalist and the revolutionary leader.

Snow's groundbreaking book, Red Star Over China, which was published in London in 1937, created an immediate sensation. Theodore White from Time magazine compared its significance to Columbus's accounts of the Americas, as it opened up the West’s eyes to the realities of China’s revolutionary landscape. Sinologist Owen Lattimore praised the book, noting its timely emergence against a backdrop filled with uncertainties and struggles.

The book not only stirred international interest in the Chinese Revolution but also inspired many foreign intellectuals and medical professionals, like Dr. Norman Bethune, to migrate to China and contribute to its development. Their involvement helped solidify international friendships and solidarity, manifesting in multiple exchanges that benefited both China and its foreign supporters.

Hu Yifei, the founder of Yan'an’s Red Star Garden, expressed his admiration for snow's unwavering commitment to sharing the truth. In his efforts to honor those who contributed to this liberation struggle, he established a memorial hall that recounts these vital historical interactions. Initially a bomb shelter, the hall now serves as a venue for exhibitions, including a special collection known as the 'Time Tunnel', which captures the essence of historical Yan'an and its transformative journey.

The exhibition features invaluable photographs, including Helen Snow's 1937 snapshot of the town before it faced wartime ravages, meticulously preserved at Brigham Young University. Another highlight of the memorial is a tribute to Israel Epstein, a notable figure invited by Soong Ching Ling who played a crucial role in launching China Reconstructs, now known as China Today magazine.

Ma, a Yan'an native, shared that his passion for Snow’s narrative compelled him to create this hall. It debuted in 2017 when Kansas City, Snow's hometown, partnered with Yan'an through a sister-city agreement. Reflecting on all these connections, it’s evident that Snow’s influence continues to resonate; more than 100 foreigners had ventured to Yan'an during this campaign.

Eric Foster has also authored numerous works on China's transformative journey over the last 40 years, carrying forward his uncle's spirit of friendship and understanding. As we look back after nearly a century since the Long March, it's clear that its legacy stretches beyond China's borders, uniting ordinary people across different continents in their quest for friendship, understanding, and shared histories.