The Nationalist Party

How China was governed after 1916 Central government of the Republic in Beijing Very weak Provincial governors with a military base Accused of being “warlords” Foreign concessions Most of the major cities Eg Shanghai, Tianjin

The Growth of the Nationalist Party Nationalist Party led by Sun Yatsen in Guangzhou (国民党 = Guomindang GMD or Kuo-min-tang KMT) Received advice and money from Russia → New way of understanding China’s problems as due to 1)Foreign Imperialism 2)Chinese Warlords Especially after May 30th Massacre 1925

The Northern Expedition Successful because of Ideologically committed soldiers Many people share their ideas But this is largely a movement among the urban elite

Nationalist Party rule National government established in Nanjing in 1928 Government based on Sun Yatsen’s ideas Formal structures spread across the country BUT Nanjing’s real power was very limited

The Limits of Nationalist Power Continued power of warlords Campaigns against the Communist Party helped Chiang Kaishek expand his military presence in warlord areas Weak administrative system BUT people did accept the idea of a modern national government