It was at this time that Mao Zedong became leader of both the Red Army and the Communist Parry. He was a tough but popular leader.
One of the worst experiences was crossing the Great Snowy Mountains,5,000 metres high. Many died from lack of oxygen. Exhausted, they knew that to stop to rest meant certain death. If they managed to reach the top, it was best to sit down and slide to the bottom on the ice. Many men were catapulted over cliffs.