Early Republic: 1912-16
Yuan Shikai’s Presidency
Guomindang offered presidency with hope
Yuan would move to Nanking.
Sun’s response and the Guomindang (GMD)
He stayed in Beijing where his powerbase was. The GMD were new and lacked experience, restricted them to a minor role in the
Republic. A ‘Second Revolution’ was attempted by the GMD, but put down by Yuan through bribery and dismissing military commanders. Yatsen fled to Japan to reorganise.
Twenty-one Demands
In 1915 the Japanese issued demands for control of Chinese factories, railways and ports. War was threatened if the demands were not met. Yuan lost popularity by accepting many of them. The army rebelled and Yuan was forced to drop his plans to become
Emperor.
Era of the Warlords: 1916-27
Weakness of the republican government
No leader or party to fill the void of Yuan’s death so China fragmented. Rival factions began bidding for power. The most serious weakness was the inability to maintain a loyal army. Meaning there was no force to stand up against the competing factions.
Warlord Rule
They created there own laws, currency and imposed there own taxation systems. Two phases: 1) those warlords who held provincial governorships e.g. Zhang Xun and 2) post-
1920 were opportunists who seized power e.g. Feng Yuxiang
Becoming Emperor
Yuan suspended parliament, abolished the regional assemblies and centralised the control of tax revenues. His authority was never absolute however, so he restored the monarchy in late 1915 by reintroducing the title of Emperor. On New Year’s Day 1916 he was enthroned.
Yuan renounces the throne and death
Provinces began to declare their independence from Beijing and some of his army general defected. Yuan renounced the throne in March
1916. Three months later he died.
Positive attributes to Yuan’s rule
Although motivated by personal ambition, he brought in some administrative and economic reform. His realisation that a strong central authority was need became recognised. No other real solutions from the other parties.
Filling the void – Guomindang and Communist Party
Two strongest political parties. Chinese Communist Party
(CCP) formed in 1921. Ultimate goals differed, two goals were shared: 1) removal of warlordism, 2) remove foreign imperialists. (NB. Although opposed to foreign help, would use it for protection e.g. Yatsen in Japan).
Positive features of the warlord period
Advances were made on the economic front. An industrial development programme was set up by one warlord to protect against Japanese expansion in Manchuria. Yan
Xishan was longest-surviving warlord, 1912-49. He introduced a number of local services. Warlord period intensified nationalist feeling.