warlordisme and the nasionalist revolution

the disintegration of the Chinese nation led to emergence of a warlord period, which prevailed for two decade, from 1916-1936. at yuan's death somme of his officers and others with sufficient power-seized control of various regions. these territories were controlled by the warlords, who maintainned private armies manned with conscripted peasants, to protect and extend their provincial domains. even sun yat sen and his followers had to seek refuge under the protection of the warlord in Canton. Sun's revolutionary program now called for the eventual establishment of constitutional goverment in three stages 1. unification of the nation through elimination of warlordism by military force and termination of foreign intervention in China 2. a periode of polotical tutelage to prepare the people, neither the european powes nor the warlords paid any attenttion to the disillusioned Dr. sun, who was now despearate for a way to save China from further disintegration.

the political turmoil in china provided the impetus for an intellectual awakning. in 1919 this intelellectual ferment culmimted in the May fourth Movement. it was instigated by high school and university students and their teachers who were searching for a modelon which to build a new chinese. the may fourth movement led to reform in the written chinese language, from the archaic classical style to use of the vernacular, or everyday spoken form. it also introduced the study of western science, technology, and political ideologis, includeing Marxism. the mhe mmovement was closely tied in with demonstrations by university students against foreign intervention in chinese affairs and against warlordism. these activities gave impetus to new nationalistic and patriotic feeling emerging among the general population.