Sun Yat-sen

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Sun Yat-sen (12 November 1866 – 12 March 1925) was a Chinese statesman, physician, and political philosopher, who served as the provisional first president of the Republic of China and the first leader of the Kuomintang (Nationalist Party of China). He is referred to as the "Father of the Nation" in the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the "Forerunner of Democratic Revolution" in the People's Republic of China. Sun played a pivotal role in the overthrow of the Qing dynasty during the Xinhai Revolution.

Early Life and Education

Sun Yat-sen was born to a peasant family in the village of Cuiheng, Xiangshan County, Guangdong Province. He received his early education in Hawaii, where he was influenced by Western ideas of democracy and Christianity. Sun later studied medicine at the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese, where he graduated in 1892.

Political Career

Sun Yat-sen's political career began with his involvement in anti-Qing activities. He founded the Revive China Society in 1894 and later the Tongmenghui in 1905, which aimed to overthrow the Qing dynasty and establish a republic. His efforts culminated in the successful Xinhai Revolution of 1911, which led to the fall of the Qing dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China.

Provisional Presidency

On 1 January 1912, Sun Yat-sen was inaugurated as the provisional president of the Republic of China. However, he soon resigned in favor of Yuan Shikai, a powerful military leader, in hopes of unifying the country.

Later Years and Death

After resigning from the presidency, Sun continued to work towards the unification and modernization of China. He developed the political philosophy known as the Three Principles of the People, which included nationalism, democracy, and the livelihood of the people. Sun Yat-sen died of liver cancer on 12 March 1925 in Beijing.

Legacy

Sun Yat-sen is remembered as a key figure in the transition from imperial rule to a republican form of government in China. His ideas and efforts laid the foundation for the future development of both the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China.

Related Pages

• Republic of China
• Kuomintang
• Xinhai Revolution
• Three Principles of the People
• Qing dynasty
• Yuan Shikai