TamaraPL

To what extent did Chiang Kaishek **__ implement the policy __** of People's Livelihood as outlined by Sun Yatsen in the period 1928 to 1937?

Chiang Kaishek began running his government in 1928 to 1937, at first sight (initially) it can be said that he achieved a great deal during his time in government. He was able to modernised elements of China, such as public transport, education and establishing banks and finances. However, principles lay by Sun Yatsen slowly drifted, and Chiang Kaishek implemented his owns policies which had a significant effect on China, for the next 10 years. Chiang’s fascination by the **//German//** Fascist government was a starting point in the changing ruling of government which Chiang Kaishek had began to adopt. //**good start**//

The nationalist government devoted time on improving and developing the infrastructure of China in attempt to modernise and improve the standard of living. In 1936 the Guangzhou-Hankou railway was completed and between 1928 – 37 it continually expanded from 8000 km to 13 000km. To a //**certain not such a clear word to use**// the government, the nationalist government did modernise China in attempt to offer a better standard of living however the needs of the Chiang were seen as much more of a priority then the needs of the country.

Financially, the government was innovating; in 1933 it moved away from silver tael and replaced this with a standard silver dollar; however by 1935 the government had issued paper currency. Consequently the government started to experience financial problems which ultimately lead to the downfall. There was numerous financial reasoning however some crucial factors which lead to their downfall include no implementation of income tax which as result means that the government was dependent on salt, and consumption tax. The main issue which the government was confronted by was the inability to maintain a balanced budget, not monitoring or equally separating capital between different areas of government. This is further evident as the Nationalist government in 1937, spent 87% of the budget on army leaving only 13% on managing the rest of the country. This demonstrates further flaws in Chiang Kaishek’s nationalist government not being able to balance the countries monetary expenses which surely signifies a failing government. //**good historical detail**//

An area which was starting to improve and had possibilities of improvement within the future was industrial production; the annual rate was 6% however the government imported 500 million Yuan in industrial equipment which offered China a sound base for future expansion. However foreign capitalist received most revenue as the earned most treaty ports also coal and iron which were exported and relieved high exports however this contributed little to the stimulation of the domestic economy, meaning it help China and its financial issues. This further contributed to the financial crisis as capital was not being placed within their countries economy.

Education was seen as a means of achieving national unity and developing skills for modernisation, however unfortunately, education opportunities were corrupt and were unfairly distributed. In the second stage of education only 545 207 had enrolled in a population of 450 million people. The numbers show the lack of government initiatives to try and educate its population in order to move into national unity and modernisation. Consequently the government failed to implement education to a majority of its population which as a result lead to more peasants within society.

Not only were the policies of government failing but also the conditions in China placed a lot of pressure on the government and suffering on its people, especially amongst the peasants. From 1929 to 1931 there was a famine strike which affected nine provinces. In 1931, 25 million people were suffering for malnutrition, in that same year great floods caused destruction in five provinces and millions of people lost their homes and crops. The government offered little practical relief as a result millions had lost their homes and crops. Feelings of hatred and extreme dislikes would have been felt towards the government as he was unable to help and showed no interest. Regardless of the severe disruption absentee landlords often charged 50 – 60% of the harvest whilst they live quite wealthy comfortable lives within the city. A main principle of Sun Yatsen was to re-distribute land amongst the poor; however Chiang Kaishek made no attempt. China’s peasants remained quite poor because of ignorance of its government. It is evident that Chiang Kaishek was ignorant; he was unable to successfully implement his own principles and failed to use those of Sun Yatsen.

In the 10 years of Nationalist government Chiang Kaishek was unable to gain support from China’s peasantry he worried about the bourgeoisies and as a result was unable to follow and implement the main principles of Sun Yatsen. He was able to modify China in some ways however, due to his failure to financially deal with China’s capital this was his main flaw in his Nationalist government.


 * //this is a good effort. I like that you have included facts - ie historical detail. it is well set out. I would suggest you look at improving the argument in the introduction and this will life the essay.//**