Sun Yat-sen

Sun Yat-sen was a Chinese revolutionary leader and statesman who is considered by many to be the "Father of Modern China". He had a significant influence in the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty and establishment of the Republic of China. A founder of the Kuomintang, Sun was the first provisional president of the Republic of China in 1912 and de facto leader from 1923 to 1925. He developed a political philosophy known as the Three Principles of the People which is still one of the guiding principles for Chinese governments today. Although Sun is considered one of the greatest leaders of modern China, his life was one of constant struggle and frequent exile as few of his visions for his country materialized. Sun was a uniting figure in post-imperial China and remains unique among 20th century Chinese politicians for being widely revered in both mainland China and Taiwan. Indeed, soon after his death the nation plunged into Civil War. In the 1930s he was posthumously given the title "Father of the Nation" which is currently used in Taiwan. In the mainland, he is commonly referred to as the "forerunner of the revolution".