In the relationship between province and central government in the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China

provincial power often broke through original system restriction and expanded into new power running mode because of special reasons between competition between province and central government. Over all

this development process can be divided into three periods. In late Qing Dynasty

central government was beset with troubles internally and externally

local self-government was introduced into China

original social structure was instable caused by system transformation. In this historical background

provincial power expanded gradually. Central government’s leadership rendered ineffectual by recalcitrant provincial power before the 1911 Revolution. The revolution in the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China was partly influenced by the rise of provincial power. The second period is between the 1911 Revolution to the death of Yuan Shikai. In this period

besides the competition between Beiyang Group and Nationalist Party as we all know

the main competition was between Beijing government and provincial separation power. These two competitions overlapped but had difference. Yuan Shikai proclaimed himself emperor based on military force which stirred up the rebellion of different parties and provincial powers. His rule gradually became illegal and he lost all reputation. The third period is during late Beiyang Government

the post-Yuan Shika period. Its main characteristic was that provincial powers dominated the country. Provincial powers invaded central government

set up a separatist regime by force of arms

applied self-government which lead to secession of the country. How to end up secession and wars to realize peace and unification

history chose The Communist Party of China’s revolutionary road which protested against imperialism and feudalism and advocated Kuomintang-Communist cooperation to build up united front and overthrow warlord. This is the exact solution to the relationship between province and central government in the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China.