Here's a breakdown of the factors:
Factors that contributed to temporary unification:
* Common enemy: Facing a common threat from Japan, both the KMT and CCP put aside their differences and formed a united front against the invaders. This cooperation was crucial for resisting the Japanese military, which was significantly stronger.
* Nationalism: The invasion sparked strong nationalistic sentiments among the Chinese people, leading them to rally around the flag and support the war effort. This shared sense of patriotism fostered a temporary sense of unity.
* International support: The war gained international attention, with the United States and other Allied powers providing support to China. This support further contributed to a sense of national unity and purpose.
Factors that contributed to future division:
* Ideological differences: Despite the temporary truce, the KMT and CCP retained their contrasting political ideologies, leading to friction and mistrust. The CCP saw the war as an opportunity to expand its influence and build its power base, while the KMT aimed to regain control of the country after defeating the Japanese.
* Competition for power: As the war progressed, tensions between the KMT and CCP intensified, with both groups vying for control of territory and resources. This rivalry ultimately led to a bloody civil war after the Japanese surrender.
* Wartime atrocities: The brutal Japanese occupation and its atrocities fueled resentment and animosity among the Chinese population, which was further exploited by both the KMT and CCP for their own political agendas.
In conclusion:
The Japanese invasion provided a temporary unifying force in China, but its lasting impact was deeply divisive. While it brought the KMT and CCP together in a united front against a common enemy, it also exacerbated their underlying ideological differences and set the stage for a bitter civil war that ultimately led to the communist victory and the establishment of the People's Republic of China.