Succeeded Sun Yat Sen as leader of KMT and sought to expel all communists in 1925
Sided with allies to create "big four" in an attempt to beat japan in 1941
Founded and encouraged the New Life Movement (NLM) loosely based on Confucianism. more below*
Fought against communist party of Mao Zedong in Chinese civil war of 1946.
Ultimately lost war and was forced into exile in Taiwan.
Still coordinated KMT for China from exile and held the chair at the UN until his death in 1975
Sided with allies to create "big four" in an attempt to beat japan in 1941
Founded and encouraged the New Life Movement (NLM) loosely based on Confucianism. more below*
Fought against communist party of Mao Zedong in Chinese civil war of 1946.
Ultimately lost war and was forced into exile in Taiwan.
Still coordinated KMT for China from exile and held the chair at the UN until his death in 1975
Picture is available under public domain
Soong mei-ling
aka: madame chiang
New life movement
- The New Life Movement was initiated by Chiang Kai- Shek and Madame Chiang themselves and sought to resurrect traditional Chinese morality which they believed as better than Western Values.
- Based on Confucianism, mixed with Christianity, nationalism and authoritarianism that have similarities to fascism.
- Rejected individualism and liberalism and opposed socialism and communism.
- Chiang used the Confucian and Methodist notion of self-cultivation and correct living for the NLM. He promoted proper etiquette in everyday life such as: No littering, spitting, opium use, conspicuous consumption, vice entertainments. Promoted courteous behavior, flag salutes. Something the NLM encouraged that was unusual was bathing in cold water as sign of military strength and discipline over Japan.
- NLM was considered by the KMT as a key part to carry out “”principle of the peoples’ livelihood” in Sun Yat-Sen’s “Three Principles of the People”
- NLM was suspended indefinitely and then abolished during the last, desperate phase of the Chinese Civil War in 1949.
- Some liked the NLM because it raised the quality of life during the war with japan but some criticized it for its lofty goals were out of touch with those suffering in the general population.
More about the basics of the NLM and reflective questions can be accessed here
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Chiang Kai Shek Memorial hall in Taiwan
Chiang Kai Shek was renowned for his efforts to defeat the communist party and many Chinese citizen still recognized the KMT as the main form of government even after his defeat and exile. Taiwan also recognized his great reforms in their government and especially their economy while he lived out his later days there in exile. He was also able to potentially save the whole island of Taiwan by pressing military action against the development of nuclear weapons in
China. More about Chiang Kai Shek's role in Taiwan here
China. More about Chiang Kai Shek's role in Taiwan here
Shek's Legacy
Chiang Kai Shek will likely forever be remembered for his shortcomings as leader. Shek initially brought a strong Chinese identity and strong governance in a time of uncertainty. Under Shek’s leadership, China entered a critical period of modernization in an array of areas. While Shek succeeded in minimizing the threat of communism to his own power, he failed to completely defeat the communists. This ultimately proved to be the downfall of Shek’s government. However, Shek was able to remain in power by moving his government to Taiwan. Furthermore, over the course of his rule Shek successfully maintained international recognition as the sovereign ruler of China. In ruling Taiwan, Shek utilized Confucianist principles and remained responsive despite an authoritarian government. This style of governance is under noted and distinguishes Taiwanese authoritarianism from that of Chinese authoritarianism. Thus while Chiang Kai Shek has historically been viewed as a failed leader, this perspective fails to take into account the broad context of his reign.
For more perspective on Mao's significance and legacy: Click Here
For more perspective on Mao's significance and legacy: Click Here
References:
Albright, David. "Taiwan: Nuclear Nightmare Averted." N.p., n.d. Web.
"Chiang Kai-shek." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2016.
Dirlik, Arif. "The Ideological Foundations of the New Life Movement: A Study in Counterrevolution | The Journal of Asian Studies | Cambridge Core." Cambridge Core. N.p., 01 Mar. 2011. Web. 17 Nov. 2016.
Educators, Asia For. "Essentials of the New Life Movement." Primary Source Document with Questions (DBQs)
“ESSENTIALS OF THE NEW LIFE MOVEMENT” (SPEECH, 1934) (n.d.): n. pag. Columbia University. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.
Pakula, Hannah (2009). The Last Empress Chiang Kai Shek and the Birth of Modern China. New York: Simon & Schuster. pp. 410–11.
Tyson Li, Laura. "Madame Chiang Kai-shek." Google Books. N.p., 01 Dec. 2007. Web. 17 Nov. 2016.
WeViewTaiwan. "Chaing Kai Shek Memorial Park 國立中正紀念堂." YouTube. YouTube, 09 Jan. 2013. Web. 17 Nov. 2016.
"Chiang Kai-shek." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2016.
Dirlik, Arif. "The Ideological Foundations of the New Life Movement: A Study in Counterrevolution | The Journal of Asian Studies | Cambridge Core." Cambridge Core. N.p., 01 Mar. 2011. Web. 17 Nov. 2016.
Educators, Asia For. "Essentials of the New Life Movement." Primary Source Document with Questions (DBQs)
“ESSENTIALS OF THE NEW LIFE MOVEMENT” (SPEECH, 1934) (n.d.): n. pag. Columbia University. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.
Pakula, Hannah (2009). The Last Empress Chiang Kai Shek and the Birth of Modern China. New York: Simon & Schuster. pp. 410–11.
Tyson Li, Laura. "Madame Chiang Kai-shek." Google Books. N.p., 01 Dec. 2007. Web. 17 Nov. 2016.
WeViewTaiwan. "Chaing Kai Shek Memorial Park 國立中正紀念堂." YouTube. YouTube, 09 Jan. 2013. Web. 17 Nov. 2016.