The diaries of Chiang Kai-shek from 1956 to 1972 are available to researchers at the Hoover Archives as of Wednesday, July 8, 2009, when they will join earlier Chiang diaries from 1917 to 1955, which were opened between 2006 and 2008.
This group of diaries takes up when Chiang began implementing comprehensive reforms in Taiwan in the 1950s and 1960s. At that time he made land available to farmers at affordable prices and provided state support to industries to nurture their international competitiveness. As inflation began dropping steadily and the economy grew, Chiang was reelected president by the National Assembly in 1960, 1966, and 1972. The United States, a strong ally since the Korean War, provided aid and trade and encouraged reform.
In the last year of Chiang’s diaries, President Nixon visited China, the announcement of which triggered a U.N. vote giving the People’s Republic of China a seat in the United Nations, effectively expelling Taiwan. Anti-U.S. riots then erupted on the island. When Chiang died in 1975, Taiwan had achieved substantial urban and economic growth while remaining a one-party state controlled by the Kuomintang. Chiang's son, Chiang Ching-kuo, assumed party leadership and within a few years became president.
Additional information and resources are available on the Chiang Kai-shek diaries collection highlight page.
