Government- China under the Warlords Flashcards
(14 cards)
Describe the political situation in China from 1912 to 1916 under Yuan Shi-Kai.
Yuan Shi-Kai ruled China as a dictator with military support, rejecting democracy and attempting to make himself emperor, which led to unpopularity and fear among military provinces.
Explain the significance of the Twenty-one Demands imposed by Japan on China.
The Twenty-one Demands allowed Japan to control significant aspects of China’s territory, including factories, railway lines, and ports, threatening China’s independence.
Define the Era of the Warlords in China.
The Era of the Warlords, from 1916 to 1927, was characterized by a lack of centralized authority following Yuan Shi-Kai’s death, with various military leaders vying for power.
How did Yuan Shi-Kai’s actions lead to his downfall in 1915?
Yuan’s attempt to become emperor and his rejection of democracy led to a military revolt against him in December 1915, forcing him to abandon his plans.
Do you know the outcome of Yuan Shi-Kai’s rule after his death in 1916?
After Yuan’s death, no military general emerged with the same authority to unify China, leading to a fragmented political landscape.
How did Feng Yuxiang’s leadership style differ from that of other warlords?
Feng Yuxiang, known as the ‘Christian general,’ emphasized moral values, insisted on baptizing his troops, and maintained strict discipline, contrasting with the more violent and authoritarian approaches of other warlords.
What was the reaction of the military provinces to Yuan Shi-Kai’s consolidation of power?
The military provinces feared losing their authority and were opposed to Yuan’s consolidation of power, which contributed to the revolt against him.
Explain how the power dynamics shifted among warlords after 1920.
After 1920, some warlords were removed from power by other ambitious individuals who sought to seize control, leading to a landscape with hundreds of warlords, each with different ruling styles and ideologies.
Describe the role of warlords in the context of the collapsed central government in China.
Warlords exercised power in their own provinces, running independent legal and financial systems, collecting taxes, and often terrorizing their populations, despite the existence of a nominal republican government in Beijing.
Define the term ‘warlord’ in the context of early 20th century China.
A warlord was a military governor who gained control over a province, often exercising independent authority and power, particularly after the collapse of the central government.
Discuss the characteristics of Zang Zongzhang as a warlord.
Zang Zongzhang was known for his violent rule and brutal tactics, including a notorious reputation for splitting open the heads of his opponents, reflecting a harsh and aggressive leadership style.
Identify the initial reason many warlords came to power in China.
Most warlords initially rose to power as military governors appointed by Yuan Shi-Kai to manage the provinces, taking advantage of the weakened central authority.
Explain Zhang Zuolin’s approach to maintaining discipline among his soldiers.
Zhang Zuolin employed cruel punishments, such as beheading soldiers for minor offenses, to deter mutiny and enforce discipline.
Identify the common characteristics of warlords during the Warlord Era in China.
Warlords during this era were characterized by their refusal to relinquish private armies, their cruelty as rulers, and their willingness to make agreements with foreign powers to protect their economic interests.
