Describe China's political and economic situation in the early 20th century

By the early 20th Century, China was broken down into various 'areas of influence' between foreign powers such as United States, Portuguese, France and the United Kingdom.

China's reputation as a powerful and rich nation had already dwindled.

The central Chinese government itself was weak and was in de-facto control of foreign powers.

The Chinese people resented foreign influence in their country which eventually led to the 'Boxer Rebellion'

By 1911, a revolution finally replace the 2,000 year old Chinese empire system and paved the way for the first Chinese republic.