Sun Yat-sen

Sun Yat-sen (November 12, 1866 – March 12, 1925) was a Chinese revolutionary leader who had a significant role in the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty. A founder of the Kuomintang, Sun was the first provisional president when the Republic of China was founded in 1912. He developed a political philosophy known as the Three Principles of the People which still heavily influences Chinese governments today.

Related Topics:
November 12 - 1866 - March 12 - 1925 - Chinese - Qing Dynasty - Kuomintang - President - Republic of China - 1912 - Political philosophy - Three Principles of the People - Chinese governments

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Sun was a uniting figure in post-imperial China, and remains unique among 20th century Chinese politicians for being widely revered in both mainland China and Taiwan. In Taiwan, he is known by the posthumous name National Father, Mr. Sun Chungshan (????????). On the mainland, Sun is also seen as a Chinese nationalist and proto-socialist, and is highly regarded as the Forerunner of the Revolution (?????).

Related Topics:
Post-imperial China - 20th century - Mainland China - Taiwan - Posthumous name - Nationalist - Socialist

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Although Sun is considered one of the greatest leaders of modern China, his life was one of constant struggle and frequent exile. He quickly fell out of power in the newly-founded Republic, and led successive revolutionary governments as a challenge to the warlords who controlled much of the nation. Ultimately he was not able to bring about consolidation of power over the country, and soon after his death China plunged into civil war.

Related Topics:
Exile - Civil war

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