Chinese Revolution (The "Eternal" Khanate)

Chinese Revolution
Part of the Fall of the Mongol Empire
Date 13 February 1908 – 2 September 1911 Location Mongol Empire (China) Result Revolutionary Victory Independence of China
Belligerents
Revolutionaries Republic of China Tongmenghui Revolutionary Party Yellow Sands Society Hubei Military Government State of Tibet Anarchist Association of China	Imperialist Government Great Mongol Khanate
Commanders and leaders
Sun Yat-sen Chiang Kai-shek Soong Ch'ing-ling Chen Duxiu	Kublai Khan III Tögs-Ochiryn Namnansüren

The Chinese Revolution of 1908-1911 was a pivotal moment in the nation's history, marked by the leadership of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and the proclamation of the Republic of China amidst the turmoil of war. The Mongol Empire, officially the Great Mongol Khanate, had ruled China since the 1200's, but due to the Mongols promoting freedom of religion and not committing racial genocide (in Eastern Asia at least), China had still remained mostly ethnically Chinese.

Tongmenghui and Revolutionary Democratic Socialism

Sun Yat-sen's Tongmenghui Revolutionary Party advocated for Revolutionary Democratic Socialism, emphasizing the establishment of a just society, equal distribution of wealth, and the empowerment of the working class. The party sought to end Mongol rule and establish a modern, democratic, and socialist Republic of China.

Major Battles

Battle of Wuchang (1908):

The revolution began in earnest in the city of Wuhan, with the Battle of Wuchang serving as the spark that ignited the flames of rebellion. The Tongmenghui forces, comprised of passionate revolutionaries from diverse backgrounds, successfully seized control of strategic locations in Wuchang, dealing a significant blow to imperial forces.

Siege of Nanking (1909):

As the revolution gained momentum, the Tongmenghui forces advanced towards Nanking, a key stronghold of imperial forces. The Siege of Nanking was a protracted and intense battle, where Sun Yat-sen's forces faced fierce resistance. Eventually, the revolutionaries emerged victorious, capturing Nanking and strengthening their foothold in the region.

Battle of Khanbaliq (1910):

The conflict escalated as Tongmenghui forces, now a formidable revolutionary army, marched northward to confront imperial forces in the capital. The Battle of Khanbaliq was a turning point, as Sun Yat-sen proclaimed the independence of the Republic of China in the heart of the imperial capital. This declaration galvanized support for the revolution and drew attention from international powers. This also led to Khanbaliq being renamed to Beiping.

Final Stand in Shandong (1911):

The last major battle of the revolution took place in Shandong, where loyalist forces made their final stand against the advancing Tongmenghui army. The Battle of Shandong was fierce, but the revolutionary forces, driven by the ideals of Democratic Socialism and national independence, emerged triumphant. The victory marked the end of imperial Mongol rule, and the Republic of China was officially established.

Aftermath

Following the establishment of the Republic of China, Sun Yat-sen initiated political and social reforms, laying the groundwork for a democratic and socialist society. The success of the revolution shaped a nation that would blend the principles of democracy and socialism in its pursuit of progress and equality. However, after his death, Chiang Kai-shek would quickly turn the Republic of China into a Far-Right Military Dictatorship under his control, leading to the Chinese Civil War. (1930 – 1947)