Compare and contrast the contributions of Yuan Shikai and Sun Yixian to the rise of national identity in China.

The question requires that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between the contributions of Yuan Shikai and Sun Yixian to national identity in China, referring to both throughout. There does not need to be equal coverage of both. It may be argued that both leaders contributed to the rise of national identity but in very different ways. Yuan Shikai’s actions may include a consideration of his banning of the GMD, closing the National Assembly, accepting the 21 Demands and proclaiming himself emperor. By undermining the new republic in this way, Yuan united people against him and towards the concepts of national unity, democracy and modernisation. In contrast, Sun is regarded as ‘the father of modern China’. He founded the Guomindang in 1894 and set out an ideological vision for China through his Three Principles of the People. Following his return to leadership of China, Sun agreed to the Sun-Joffe Agreement in 1923. As a result of this agreement the GMD began the process of forming a United Front with the CCP with the aim of destroying the warlords and finally uniting China. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between the contributions of Yuan Shikai and Sun Yixian to national identity in China. There were numerous responses to this question. There was an attempt made by most candidates to find similarities and differences between the two leaders. Knowledge of Yuan Shikai was relatively sound with most candidates being able to explain how although Yuan hindered the development of a national identity and how the nature of his regime also led to increased nationalist sentiment amongst the populace. Knowledge of Sun Yixian was generally more limited. Candidates seemed clear on his earlier role, but many struggled to discuss his contributions in this time period with very few demonstrating an awareness of his involvement in the Sun-Joffe agreement and laying the foundations for the First United Front.