Nanchang Second Middle School and Its Reform Society

This chapter focuses on Nanchang Second Middle School and its Reform Society (1920–1926), a key force in Jiangxi&s;s early communist movement. The Reform Society, founded by Yuan Yubing at Nanchang Second Middle School in 1921, became an organizational base for Jiangxi&s;s Communist Party of China (CPC) and Communist Youth League (CYL). It thrived due to support from the Kuomintang of China (KMT)-aligned figures (e.g., Principal Xiong Yuxi) who backed new ideas and funded its magazines. Geographically, the society drew 60% of early members from Guangxin Prefecture (a culturally and economically advanced region), relying on traditional fellow-townsman ties. It also collaborated with KMT institutions like The Republic of China Daily for funding and support. This concentric network, rooted in school, KMT backing, and regional connections, laid the groundwork for Jiangxi&s;s communist organizations.