For us to understand Chinese government background and its past leaders, will give us a better perspective on the influence and relationships with Taiwan, US and other countries.
From the downfall of Qing Dynasty, a man named SUN YAT-SEN, became the 1st President of the Republic of China.
- son of a Canton farmer
- 1890s, formed Anti-Manchu society
- 1905, formed Revolutionary League consisting of 3 People’s Principle: Nationalism, Democracy, and the People’s Livelihood
- Nationalism: China would be able to freely run its own affairs without interference from foreigners.
- Democracy: rule by Parliament and a constitution (not by dynasty inheriting power)
- The People’s Livelihood: land & resources managed to benefit MASSES OF PEOPLE (not only for Ruling class)
- Educational Background: studied in Hawaii, Hong Kong and traveled to London and America
- 1st President of the Republic of China (1912-1925)
A new tide emerged as the Kuomingtang admitted Communists thus with Nationalism, a revolutionary gov’t. and robust military academy brought CHIANG KAI-SHEK.
- Leader of KMT after SUN’s death in 1925
- NOT a Communist
- son of a wealthy landowner
- strong anti-Manchu beliefs
- 1920, became SUN YAT-SEN’s military adviser
- 1927, set up a gov’t. in Nanking
- Any membership in Chinese Communist Party = crime punishable by death
Despite Chiang Kai-Shek’s successful turn against the Communists, 1933 brought MAO TSE-TUNG
- 1933, Chairman of Chinese Soviet Republic
- opium smoking/gambling/slavery/arranged marriages/begging ALL OUTLAWED
- WOMEN = MEN
- Mao’s “Poor People’s Army” won support of millions of peasants
Thus, leading to more reasons why Chiang lost out to Mao despite a 4 to 1 edge in troops and weaponry.
- Chiang lacked support from majority of China….
- Widespread corruption in his gov’t and generals
- Failure to beat the Japanese
- Thus, Chiang and Republic of China fled to island of Taiwan
THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
- Oct. 1949, Mao Tse-Tung announced official formation of P.R.C.
Do not confuse People’s Republic of China (P.R.C.) and Republic of China (R.O.C.)
Source: CHINA: A History to 1949, Valjean McLenighan, Children’s Press, Chicago, 1983
