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their protection (i.e., make them colonies). Only the United States stood firm against col-
onization. Foreign investors operating mines and railroads, many with huge loans to the
imperial government, demanded a Chinese government (or governments) that would honor
their investments. Added to the list of contenders for power were local militias dominated
by military leaders (war lords). Some worked to keep the status quo and their place in it.
Others schemed to put themselves on the Dragon Throne.
Figure 16.5. Chiang K'ai Shek
Students and intellectuals, with help from overseas Chinese, agitated for a republic.
Among them was Sun Yat-sen, a guiding spirit of untried republicanism. Born in a village
near Canton, an ex-patriot brother brought him to Hawaii for his education. He later at-
tended western medical schools in Canton and Hong Kong but devoted himself full time
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