AGEOFDEVELOPMENTREVISIONThe implications of ‘Warlord Era’ in China

REASONSFORCHINA’SWEAKNESS

Internal factors: underdeveloped; isolated; refusal to trade with other countries; weaknesses of the Manchu dynasty; inability to defend itself against foreign incursions; erosion of traditional values; demand for political reform.External factors: Europeans and Americans forced China to trade, taking possession of China’s town, ports etc; industrialisation; erosion of Chinese culture; forced to pay compensation following Boxer Rebellion.Collapse of Manchu dynasty: death of Empress Tzu-hsi (1908); three-year-old heir; rebellion; abdication of Pu Yi 1912; China becomes a republic.

YUANSHIHKAI

Initial success: maintained order as a military dictator.Loss of power 1915: lost support of the army when he tried to become emperor.

THEIMPACTOFTHEFIRSTWORLDWAR

Increase in Japanese influence: 21 Demands; increasing control of China’s economy.Lack of central government: China disintegrated into small states ruled by warlords.Paris peace settlement: Land not returned to China due to agreements between warlords and Japan.

THEMAYTHEFOURTHMOVEMENT

Origins: began in 1919 with student riots.Aims: Chinese nationalism; modernisation, industrialisation and political rights.