“Torchbearer,” “Cultivator,” and “Bridge Builder”

This chapter details the formation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Communist Youth League (CYL), and identifies three key roles in the rise of the communist movement in Jiangxi (1922–1926). “Torchbearers” (e.g., Zhao Xingnong, Deng Heming) were Jiangxi natives who joined the party in national/regional centers (Shanghai, Wuhan) and returned to establish organizations, though they lacked local familiarity. “Cultivators” (e.g., Yuan Yubing) were local new idea advocates, leading groups like the Reform Society and publishing magazines to attract the youth, crucial for member growth. “Bridge Builders” (e.g., Fang Zhimin, Liu Bainong) connected the first two groups to facilitate network building. By 1926, Jiangxi had a provincial CPC committee and multiple CYL branches, laying its foundation for the communist movement.