Four Focal Points for Establishing a Correct View of Party History

In February 2024, the Central Committee of the CPC issued the "Regulations on the Work of Studying and Educating on Party History," making the establishment of a correct view of Party history one of the important components of Party history study and education. A view of Party history is people's fundamental viewpoint and overall perspective on the history of the Communist Party of China, and it is an important part of their worldview. Establishing a correct view of Party history is not only the fundamental guideline for carrying out Party history study and education but also the goal and requirement of such education. It is of great significance for better summarizing historical experience, understanding historical laws, grasping historical trends, and taking the historical initiative. To firmly grasp this key point of establishing a correct view of Party history, efforts must be focused on four aspects.

2024年2月，中共中央印发《党史学习教育工作条例》，将树立正确党史观作为党史学习教育的重要内容之一。党史观是人们对于中国共产党历史的根本观点和总体看法，是世界观的重要组成部分。树立正确党史观，既是开展党史学习教育的根本遵循，也是开展党史学习教育的目标要求，对于更好地总结历史经验、认识历史规律、把握历史大势、掌握历史主动具有重要意义。抓好树立正确党史观这个关键，需要从四个方面着力。

I. Be Skilled in Using a Grand View of History to Understand the Century-Long Party History

一、善于运用大历史观认识百年党史

The scientific summary of human society and its laws of development by Marxism is built upon a macroscopic grasp of human history. When studying Party history, attention should be paid to cultivating a grand view of history. The so-called grand view of history means using macroscopic thinking to understand the century-long Party history from the longer span of Chinese history and the global perspective of world history, analyzing the mechanisms of evolution and exploring historical laws within the long river of history, the tides of the times, and global changes.

马克思主义关于人类社会及其发展规律的科学总结，是建立在对人类历史的宏观把握之上。学习党史，要注重培养大历史观。所谓大历史观，就是运用宏观思维，从中国历史的较长时段和世界历史的全球视野来认识百年党史，在历史长河、时代大潮、全球风云中分析演变机理、探究历史规律。

General Secretary Xi Jinping points out, "History, reality, and the future are interconnected. History is the reality of the past, and reality is the history of the future." [1]1 Xi Jinping, "Speech at the Symposium on Commemorating the 120th Anniversary of the Birth of Comrade Mao Zedong," December 26, 2013. By connecting history, reality, and the future, and placing the century-long Party history within the context of the more than 5,000-year history of Chinese civilization and the more than 180-year struggle of the Chinese people since modern times, we do not only study one particular step or focus solely on individual details. Instead, we consider the Party's history within the overall historical changes of the Chinese nation, thereby understanding more comprehensively and thoroughly that the formation of the leadership position and core role of the Communist Party of China is the choice of history and the people.

习近平总书记指出，“历史、现实、未来是相通的。历史是过去的现实，现实是未来的历史。”将历史、现实和未来打通，把百年党史放到中华民族5000多年文明史、中国人民近代以来180多年斗争史中去考察，不是只研究哪一步，不是只聚焦个别细节，而是把党的历史置于中华民族整体的历史变迁中去考量，从而更全面、更透彻地理解中国共产党领导地位和核心作用的形成是历史和人民的选择。

General Secretary Xi Jinping points out, "Only by looking back at the path we have traveled, comparing the paths of others, and looking ahead to the path ahead, and by clarifying where we came from and where we are going, can many issues be seen deeply and grasped accurately." [2]2 Xi Jinping, "Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Seminar on Studying and Implementing the Spirit of the 19th National Congress of the CPC," January 5, 2018. In looking back, comparing, and looking ahead, we must place the century-long Party history within the more than 500-year history of world socialism, especially the more than 170-year history of scientific socialism, to grasp the development trends of the socialist movement and system. Through international comparison and a global perspective, we must compare the different development paths of various countries and their outcomes, sort out history and observe the future in vertical and horizontal comparisons, deeply understand the essential characteristics and significant advantages of the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and further strengthen our confidence and belief in taking the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. We must keep in mind the strategic overall plan for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the changes unseen in a century in the world, establish and cultivate a grand view of history while studying Party history, connect the past, present, and future with a far-reaching historical perspective and a broad global vision, propose strategies and tactics that adapt to new situations and new requirements, and continuously enhance the systematic nature, foresight, and creativity of our work.

习近平总书记指出，“只有回看走过的路、比较别人的路、远眺前行的路，弄清楚我们从哪儿来、往哪儿去，很多问题才能看得深、把得准。”要在回看、比较和远眺中，把百年党史放到世界社会主义500年发展史，特别是科学社会主义170余年发展史中去考察，把握社会主义运动和制度的发展趋势。要在国际比较和全球视野中，对比各国不同发展道路及其成效，在纵横比较中梳理历史、观望未来，深刻认识中国特色社会主义制度的本质特征和显著优势，进一步坚定走中国特色社会主义道路的信心和信念。要胸怀中华民族伟大复兴战略全局和世界百年未有之大变局，在学习党史中树立和培养大历史观，用深远的历史眼光和开阔的全球视野贯通过去、现在和未来，提出适应新形势新要求的战略策略，不断增强工作的系统性、预见性和创造性。

II. Accurately Grasp the Theme, Main Line, Mainstream, and Essence of the Century-Long Party History

二、准确把握百年党史的主题主线和主流本质

The more than one hundred years of history of the Communist Party of China, having gone through hardships and glories, is both magnificent and full of twists and turns. How to grasp the overall evaluation of the Party's century-long history is an important issue related to the correctness of the view of Party history. It is necessary to accurately grasp the theme, main line, mainstream, and essence of the century-long Party history, and better grasp the laws of historical development and social progress amidst the myriad historical materials and complex social phenomena.

中国共产党一百多年的历史，历经苦难辉煌，既宏伟壮阔，又跌宕起伏。对党的百年历史总体评价怎样把握，是一个涉及党史观正确与否的重要问题。要准确抓住百年党史的主题主线和主流本质，在千头万绪的历史资料和纷繁复杂的社会现象中，更好地把握历史发展和社会进步的规律。

Since its birth, the Communist Party of China has taken seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation as its mission, and has always united and led the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in unremitting struggle for the two major historical tasks of achieving national independence and people's liberation, and realizing national prosperity and people's happiness. This is the theme and main line of the century-long Party history. To accomplish these two major historical tasks, the Communist Party of China led the New Democratic Revolution, achieved national independence and people's liberation, established the basic system of socialism through the socialist revolution, and achieved great successes in socialist construction through exploration. Subsequently, in the great creation of reform and opening up, it continuously developed and improved the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Entering the New Era, the cause of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has embarked on a new journey, ushering in a great leap from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong. For more than one hundred years, centering on this theme and main line, the Communist Party of China has pressed forward indomitably and continued its struggle.

中国共产党自诞生之日起，就以为中国人民谋幸福、为中华民族谋复兴为使命，始终团结带领全国各族人民为争取民族独立、人民解放和实现国家富强、人民幸福这两大历史任务而不懈奋斗，这是百年党史的主题主线。为了完成这两大历史任务，中国共产党领导了新民主主义革命，实现了民族独立和人民解放，经过社会主义革命建立了社会主义基本制度，并在探索中取得社会主义建设的巨大成就。此后又在改革开放的伟大创造中不断发展和完善中国特色社会主义制度。进入新时代，中华民族伟大复兴事业踏上新征程，迎来从站起来、富起来到强起来的伟大飞跃。一百多年来，围绕这一主题主线，中国共产党一往无前、接续奋斗。

General Secretary Xi Jinping points out that the century-long Party history "is a history of fulfilling the Party's original aspiration and founding mission, a history of the Party sharing hearts, breathing the same air, and sharing the same fate with the people," "is a history of continuously adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, a history of continuously advancing theoretical innovation and theoretical creation," and "is a history of our Party continuously maintaining its advanced nature and purity, and continuously guarding against the danger of being disintegrated and corrupted." [3]3 Xi Jinping, "Speech at the Party History Study and Education Mobilization Conference," February 20, 2021. In summary, the Party's history of unremitting struggle, history of fearless sacrifice, history of theoretical exploration, history of benefiting the people, and history of self-building constitute the mainstream and essence of the century-long Party history.

习近平总书记指出，百年党史“就是一部践行党的初心使命的历史，就是一部党与人民心连心、同呼吸、共命运的历史”，“就是一部不断推进马克思主义中国化的历史，就是一部不断推进理论创新、进行理论创造的历史”，“是我们党不断保持党的先进性和纯洁性，不断防范被瓦解、被腐化的危险的历史”。概言之，党的不懈奋斗史、不怕牺牲史、理论探索史、为民造福史、自身建设史，即是百年党史的主流本质。

The Communist Party of China is a great, glorious, and correct Party. Its brilliant practice and theoretical creation are earth-shattering historical feats, whether in the history of the Chinese nation's development or the history of the world socialist movement. To establish a correct view of Party history and comprehensively view the Party's history and current situation, we must distinguish between the mainstream and the tributary, the essence and the phenomena, fully recognize the great victories and brilliant achievements the Party has led the people to in various historical periods of revolution, construction, and reform, inherit and carry forward the valuable experience accumulated, the glorious traditions and fine styles formed during the Party's long-term struggle, draw powerful motivation from the Party's glorious journey and great achievements to forge ahead, and strengthen our conviction in socialism with Chinese characteristics and the lofty ideal of communism.

中国共产党是伟大的、光荣的、正确的党，其实践辉煌和理论创造，不论在中华民族发展史还是世界社会主义运动史上，都是惊天动地的历史伟业。树立正确党史观，全面看待党的历史和现状，要分清主流和支流、本质和现象，充分认识党在革命、建设、改革各个历史时期领导人民所取得的伟大胜利和辉煌成就，继承弘扬党在长期奋斗中所积累的宝贵经验、形成的光荣传统和优良作风，从党的光辉历程和伟大业绩中获得砥砺前行的强大动力，坚定中国特色社会主义信念和共产主义远大理想。

III. Adhere to Using Historical Materialism to Understand the Century-Long Party History

三、坚持用唯物史观认识百年党史

Historical materialism, as an important part of Marxist philosophy, is the science concerning the general laws of development of human society. Adhering to using historical materialism to understand the century-long Party history is the foundation for establishing a correct view of Party history. Comrade Mao Zedong profoundly pointed out, "Historical materialism is the philosophical basis of our Party," and "Studying Party history must be scientific, not subjectivist." [4]4 Mao Zedong, "Letter to Li Da," 1921; "Speech at the Symposium on the Study of Party History," 1942. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes, "Historical materialism is the fundamental method for us Communists to understand and grasp history," and "We must promote the whole Party to master the basic principles and methodology of historical materialism." [5]5 Xi Jinping, "Speech at the Party History Study and Education Mobilization Conference," February 20, 2021.

历史唯物主义作为马克思主义哲学的重要组成部分，是关于人类社会发展一般规律的科学。坚持用唯物主义历史观认识百年党史，是树立正确党史观的基础。毛泽东同志深刻指出，“唯物史观是吾党哲学的根据”，“研究党史，必须是科学的，不是主观主义”。习近平总书记强调，“唯物史观是我们共产党人认识把握历史的根本方法”，“要推动全党掌握历史唯物主义基本原理和方法论”。

The three historical resolutions [6]6 The three historical resolutions refer to the "Resolution on Certain Historical Questions" adopted at the Seventh Plenary Session of the Sixth Central Committee in 1945, the "Resolution on Certain Historical Questions since the Founding of the People's Republic of China" adopted at the Sixth Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee in 1981, and the "Resolution on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party's Centenary Struggle" adopted at the Sixth Plenary Session of the Nineteenth Central Committee in 2021. on Party history are brilliant examples of the Party using historical materialism at different historical periods to systematically summarize the Party's historical experience. Based on the three resolutions and the relevant spirit of the Party Central Committee, adhering to using historical materialism to understand Party history requires seeking truth from facts when viewing some major issues in Party history. The century-long Party history has forged brilliant achievements, but it has also encountered setbacks and difficulties. This is the historical logic of the development of all just causes. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out, "There is no smooth sailing in the world. Looking at world history, the development of any country or nation will have ups and downs and be full of twists and turns." [7]7 Xi Jinping, "Speech at the Commemoration of the 95th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China," July 1, 2016. We must fully recognize that building socialism under such special social and historical conditions in China has no precedent to follow, "like climbing a mountain never before trodden by man; all climbers must blaze the trail and clear the way." [8]8 Xi Jinping, "Speech at the Commemoration of the 120th Anniversary of the Birth of Comrade Mao Zedong," December 26, 2013. Therefore, with an attitude of upholding truth and correcting errors, we must seek truth from facts in viewing and evaluating the twists and turns in Party history, neither avoiding mistakes because of achievements nor denying achievements because of mistakes in exploration.

党史上的三个历史决议，就是党在不同历史时期运用唯物史观对党的历史经验作出系统总结的光辉典范。以三个决议和党中央有关精神为依据，坚持用唯物史观认识党史，要实事求是看待党史上的一些重大问题。百年党史铸就辉煌成就，但亦有挫折坎坷，这是一切正义事业发展的历史逻辑。习近平总书记指出，“人世间没有一帆风顺的事业。综观世界历史，任何一个国家、一个民族的发展，都会跌宕起伏甚至充满曲折。”我们要充分认识到，在中国这样特殊的社会历史条件下建设社会主义没有先例可循，“犹如攀登一座人迹未至的高山，一切攀登者都要披荆斩棘、开通道路”。因此，要以坚持真理、修正错误的态度，实事求是地看待和评价党史中的曲折，既不能因为成就而回避失误，也不能因为探索中的失误而否定成就。

Adhering to using historical materialism to understand Party history also requires correctly understanding and scientifically evaluating major events, important meetings, and important figures in Party history. Comrade Mao Zedong proposed that studying the history of the CPC should adhere to the "method of ancient and modern, Chinese and foreign," [9]9 Mao Zedong, "How to Study the History of the Communist Party of China," 1942. which means clarifying the specific time and specific space in which the studied problem occurred, and studying the problem as a historical process under certain historical conditions. The measurement and evaluation of the merits and demerits of historical figures should be analyzed within the historical conditions of their era and society, and full consideration should be given to the limitations of subjective and objective factors such as the conditions of the times, the level of development, and the level of understanding, so as to view and analyze the century-long Party history comprehensively, historically, and dialectically.

坚持用唯物史观来认识党史，还要正确认识和科学评价党史上的重大事件、重要会议、重要人物。毛泽东同志提出，研究中共党史要坚持“古今中外法”，就是要弄清楚所研究的问题发生的一定的时间和一定的空间，把问题当做一定历史条件下的历史过程去研究。对历史人物功过是非的衡量评价，要放在其所处时代和社会的历史条件下去分析，应当充分考虑时代条件、发展水平、认识水平等主客观因素的局限性，全面、历史、辩证地看待和分析百年党史。

To establish a correct view of Party history, we must adhere to using historical materialism as the theoretical principle and fundamental method for guiding the study of Party history, deeply understand the historical inevitability of the formation of the leadership position and core role of the Communist Party of China, and truly learn and use Party history well as a required course in summarizing historical experience and grasping historical laws.

树立正确党史观，要坚持以唯物史观作为指导党史学习的理论原则和根本方法，深刻理解中国共产党领导地位和核心作用形成的历史必然性，在总结历史经验和把握历史规律中真正学好用好党史这门必修课。

IV. Clearly Oppose Nihilism on Party History Issues

四、旗帜鲜明反对党史问题上的虚无主义

In recent years, some historical nihilists, under the banner of “re-evaluation,” have deliberately linked Party history events with current issues and maliciously hyped them; some have vulgarized and trivialized Party history; and worse still, some have exaggerated mistakes and setbacks in Party history, wantonly smearing and distorting the Party’s history. These erroneous tendencies must be guarded against. To establish a correct view of Party history, it is necessary to oppose nihilism on Party history unequivocally, to dare to take a clear stand in the study and education of Party history, and to resolutely resist and eliminate various erroneous views and tendencies.

近年来，一些历史虚无主义者打着“重新评价”的旗号，有的将党史事件同现实问题刻意勾连、恶意炒作，有的将党史庸俗化、娱乐化，更有甚者夸大党史上的失误和曲折，肆意抹黑歪曲党的历史，这些错误倾向一定要警惕。树立正确党史观，必须旗帜鲜明地反对党史问题上的虚无主义，在党史学习教育中敢于亮剑，坚决抵制和破除种种错误观点和倾向。

Historical nihilism is an erroneous view of history guided by idealist conception of history. It manifests itself in detaching from specific historical contexts, treating and distorting history with a mindset that severs historical continuity, and making bold comments on the entire history based only on superficial historical materials and fragmentary historical details. The history of the Party and the history of the country are the hardest-hit areas of historical nihilism, whose purpose is to disrupt people’s hearts. Disrespect for history and the lack of a correct view of Party history will lead to irreversible and subversive consequences.

历史虚无主义是一种唯心史观指导下的错误历史观，其表现为脱离特定历史情境，以割断历史的思维方式对待和歪曲历史，仅凭一些表面的历史资料和零碎的历史细节，就对整个历史大胆评论。党史国史是历史虚无主义的重灾区，其目的就是要搞乱人心。不尊重历史、缺乏正确党史观，会造成不可挽回的颠覆性后果。

Chinese Communists are steadfast Marxists who insist on understanding and viewing history from the perspective of historical materialism. They must continuously strengthen ideological guidance and theoretical discrimination, clarify vague understandings and one-sided interpretations of some major historical issues in Party history, resolutely resist all kinds of historical nihilist fallacies, and constantly make discoveries and innovations in revealing the laws of Communist Party governance, the laws of socialist construction, and the laws of the development of human society.

中国共产党人是坚定的马克思主义者，坚持用唯物史观认识和看待历史，要不断加强思想引领和理论辨析，澄清对党史上一些重大历史问题的模糊认识和片面理解，坚决抵御各种历史虚无主义谬论，在揭示共产党执政规律、社会主义建设规律和人类社会发展规律上不断有所发现、有所创造。

Learning history to understand principles, learning history to increase confidence, learning history to cultivate virtue, and learning history to practice action [10]10 This is a four-character slogan summarizing the goals of studying Party history: understanding principles (mingli), increasing confidence (zengxin), cultivating virtue (chongde), and practicing action (lixing). cannot be separated from the guidance of a scientific view of history. To learn the “compulsory course” of Party history well, it is necessary to firmly establish a correct view of Party history, and in the process of studying and exploring the Party’s glorious achievements, arduous journey, historical experience, and fine traditions, to comprehend thought, do practical work, and open up new situations.

学史明理、学史增信、学史崇德、学史力行，离不开科学的历史观作引领。学好党史这门“必修课”，要牢固树立正确的党史观，在对党的辉煌成就、艰辛历程、历史经验、优良传统的学习探索中，悟思想、办实事、开新局。

[About the author: Niu Jing, researcher at the Tianjin University of Finance and Economics base of the Tianjin Research Center for the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.]

【作者简介：牛婧，天津市中国特色社会主义理论体系研究中心天津财经大学基地研究员。

Online editor: Huihui

网络编辑：慧慧