Dream Rain Oblique Sunshine -- Private Photos of Jiang Family

Author: Qin Feng Wan Kang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-02-01
Features: Chiang Kai-shek was indeed a generation of formidable figures, not only dominating China but also renowned internationally. From ascending to the pinnacle of power to ultimately retreating to obscurity, his life was highly dramatic. This book provides a wealth of authentic photographs of Chiang Kai-shek and his family, offering many insights into him and his family that were previously inaccessible. Chiang Kai-shek was indeed a generation of formidable figures, not only dominating China but also renowned internationally. From ascending to the pinnacle of power to ultimately retreating to obscurity, his life was highly dramatic. Chiang Kai-shek (1887–1975), originally named Zhou Tai, styled Ruiyuan, and later named Zhiqing, styled Zhaisi, was from Xikou Town, Fenghua County, Zhejiang Province. In April 1905, Chiang Kai-shek first studied in Japan, where he met Chen Yingshi (Qimei), whom he later revered as his "elder brother" and who introduced him to the revolutionary cause. In summer 1906, Chiang Kai-shek enrolled in the "Imperial Military College" (later renamed the Baoding Military Academy) in Baoding to study artillery. In spring 1907, he was selected to study at the Japanese Juntendo School. In Japan, through Chen Qimei's introduction, Chiang Kai-shek joined the Tongmenghui and participated in the anti-Qing revolution. In 1911, the Xinhai Revolution broke out. Chiang Kai-shek responded to Chen Yingshi's call to return to China early and immediately set off to join the revolution. He was assigned by Chen to participate in the uprising in Hangzhou on the night following the Shanghai Uprising launched by Chen and his associates on November 3, leading a vanguard from Shanghai to attack the Zhejiang Provincial Government Office. After the success of the Jiangnan Uprising, Chen Yingshi was elected as the Military Governor of Shanghai, and Chiang Kai-shek returned to Shanghai, becoming the commander of the Shanghai Military Brigade No. 5, earning great recognition from Chen Yingshi. After Yuan Shikai stole the fruits of the revolution, Chiang Kai-shek and Chen Yingshi jointly participated in the "Second Revolution" to oppose Yuan. After the failure, Chiang Kai-shek crossed back to Japan and, through Chen Yingshi's introduction, gradually gained the trust of Sun Yat-sen, who was in exile at the time.