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Long Imperial Tradition Ended Abruptly
- China had over two millennia of continuous one-person imperial rule and no republican tradition.
- By the late 19th century intellectuals concluded the imperial system was obsolete and sought a republic.
Hawaii Shaped Sun's Worldview
- Sun Yat-sen spent part of his youth in Honolulu and gained American citizenship while learning English and Western ideas.
- His exposure to foreign education shaped his view that the emperor and corrupt officials caused village poverty.
Rebel Act Forced Exile
- Sun smashed a statue of the local god-emperor and fled after angering villagers and officials.
- He then relocated to Hong Kong to continue his education and political activity.