Final answer:
During WWII, the Chinese Communists led by Mao Zedong defeated the Nationalists led by Chiang Kai-Shek, leading to the creation of the People's Republic of China and the Nationalists fleeing to Taiwan.
Step-by-step explanation:
During World War II, Chinese Communists led by Mao Zedong and Nationalists led by Chiang Kai-Shek had joined forces to fight Japan. With the defeat of Japan, the two groups turned on one another once again in a civil war for control of China. The United States provided economic and military assistance to Chiang Kai-Shek even though he was viewed by many as corrupt and inefficient. Despite the aid, the Nationalists were defeated by Mao's forces.
Mao declared the creation of the People's Republic of China and the Nationalists fled to Taiwan, an island off the coast of China. Many Americans criticized Truman for the "loss of China", fearing they would form an alliance with the Soviet Union that would threaten U.S. interests across the globe. Although China remained a key ally of the USSR, they pursued their own interests and rejected Soviet control. The United