October 10, people in Taiwan celebrate Double Tenth Day (or 10/10), a holiday that marks the beginning of the Wuchang Uprising in 1911. Double Tenth Day is called “雙十節” in Mandarin and pronounced as “Shuāng Shí Jié”, while another name for that holiday is “國慶日” (Guóqìng Rì), meaning “National Celebration Day”
This day commemorates the Wuchang Uprising which led to the Xinhai Revolution, ending over two thousand years of imperial rule in China. But what exactly happened during this uprising, and why is this day so significant? Let’s explore the story behind 10/10, its connection to key figures like Sun Yat-sen, and the broader impact of these events.
The Wuchang Uprising and the Start of Change
On October 10, 1911, the Wuchang Uprising began in the city of Wuchang (now part of Wuhan). This uprising was the spark that ignited the Xinhai Revolution, which aimed to overthrow the Qing Dynasty, the last imperial dynasty in China. The uprising was led by a group of revolutionaries who wanted to end the Qing’s rule and establish a republic. The revolutionaries were inspired by ideas of democracy and modernization, which had been spreading throughout the world.
Sun Yat-sen, a key leader in the movement, is often called the “Father of Modern China.” He believed that China needed to break free from imperial rule and embrace new ideas of governance. Sun Yat-sen traveled widely, gathering support and spreading his vision for a republican China. Although he was not physically present during the Wuchang Uprising, his ideas influenced many of the revolutionaries who took part.
The Xinhai Revolution
The Xinhai Revolution lasted only a couple of months from October 10, 1911, until February 12, 1912. During this time, various uprisings occurred across China, and more cities joined the cause against the Qing Dynasty. The revolution was not just about removing the Qing rulers; it was also about establishing a new government based on democracy and the people’s will.
As the revolution progressed, Puyi, the last emperor of China, was forced to abdicate the throne. On February 12, 1912, he officially stepped down, marking the end of the Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the Republic of China. The new government sought to implement reforms, but the journey was far from smooth.
The Formation of the Kuomintang (KMT)
After the revolution, the Kuomintang (KMT), also known as the Nationalist Party, emerged as one of the leading political parties in China. Sun Yat-sen was a founding member of the KMT, and he aimed to unify China and create a democratic government. However, the KMT faced significant challenges, including opposition from the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), which sought to establish a different vision for China.
The split between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) led to a civil war that changed China forever. The KMT wanted to create a government that focused on nationalism, aiming to unite the country. On the other hand, the CPC, led by Mao Zedong, wanted to set up a communist government. This battle between the two groups greatly influenced China’s future.
October 10th is known as Taiwan’s National Day, or “Double Tenth Day.” However, it does not celebrate Taiwan’s birthday. Taiwan was ruled by Japan from 1895 until the end of World War II in 1945. After Japan lost the war, Taiwan was handed to China. In 1949, after a long and difficult civil war, the CPC won and created the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The KMT, led by Chiang Kai-shek (who took over after Sun Yat-sen died in 1925), fled to Taiwan. They continued to govern the island under the name Republic of China (ROC).
Today, Chiang Kai Shek is a polarizing figure; some view him as a hero for his role in resisting communism, while others criticize his methods and legacy.
The Legacy of Sun Yat-sen
Despite some controversies surrounding his personal life, Sun Yat-sen remains a respected figure in both Taiwan and China. He is celebrated for his vision of a modern, democratic China.
The Three Principles of the People—Nationalism, Democracy, and People’s Livelihood—are foundational ideas that guided the revolutionary movement against the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of a modern Chinese nation.
Monuments in his honor are found around the world. His Chinese name, 孫中山 (Sūn Zhōngshān), led to his hometown in Guangzhou being renamed Zhongshan in his honor. Vancouver has a beautiful Classical Chinese Garden named after Dr. Sun Yat-Sen which attracts thousands of visitors every year.
References
Bubble Tea Island. (2023, October 3). Double Ten explained. Retrieved from https://bubbleteaisland.com/2023/10/03/taiwan-national-day-double-ten/
Sun Yat-sen. (n.d.). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sun-Yat-sen
Chiang Kai-shek. (n.d.). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chiang-Kai-shek
Wei, P. (2021, August 13). Photo of Sun Yat-sen statue. Unsplash.
Ferrer, R. (2017, October 17). Chiang Kai-shek memorial in Taipei. Unsplash.
Glaap, B. (2019, September 19). Picture of Taipei. Unsplash.
Winkler, M. (2023, February 23). Dragon picture used to make the map in the letters. Unsplash.