Evaluate the contribution of Sun Yixian to the causes of the 1911 Xinhai Revolution.

Candidates will appraise the contribution of Sun Yixian to the causes of the 1911 Xinhai Revolution. Candidates may adopt a chronological approach that contextualizes the revolution, outlines Sun’s ideas, activism and influence and which identifies his role as president. Alternatively, candidates may choose a thematic approach and balance Sun’s contribution against other factors such as the weakness and unpopularity of the Qing government, the Boxer Protocol and its consequences, the failure of the Late Qing reform movement and the actions of other revolutionary groups and leaders such as Yuan Shikai. If a range of other factors are considered the ultimate focus of the response must be on Sun’s contribution.