The main reason why discussions of the origin of democratic government often look back at Greece and Rome is because these states implemented the first democracies (technically the first democracy was in Athens, Greece, where all eligible citizens could vote directly on issues pertaining to the state).
The 38th demand or clause basically says that the sovereign's (the king's) power is limited. According to this clause, nobody can be tried without the testimonial of independent witnesses. Until then, the king, as a supreme ruler, could do whatever he wanted, without providing a fair trial for the accused. Therefore, the court should now be independent and free of king's power.
By the end of the Second World War, Chinese economic and political power was in ruins.
The Japanese had invaded large parts of the country leaving the central government weak. This was followed by many foreign powers developing their own enclaves in the country and running virtual colonies.
The communist party took an opportunity of a weak central government and launched a violent campaign, culminating in a civil war.
Mao was popular among the rural farmers and the poor who served in the People's liberation army.
