230. Sun Zhongshan: George Washington of China

This year marks the centenary of the 1911 Revolution China. This is the epoch-making event that changed the history of the world. The leader of the Revolution, Sun Zhongshan, also Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925)is called the "George Washington of China." Both Sun Yat-sen and Washington were anti-monarchical figures: each had the chance to enthrone himself as an emperor.

For Dr. Sun,it seemed natural to continue the political tradition of imperial rule; however, he overthrew the imperial system and changed the direction of Chinese political history. Because of him, China turned from an empire to a republic. Similarly, George Washington, together with other founding fouders of the United States, created a new country in North America that was different from the traditional monarchial systems in Europe.