---

Sun Yat - Sen's ideas became the basis of the political philosophy of the Guomindang. They identified the ‘four great needs’ as clothing, food, housing and transportation. After the death of Sun, Chiang Kai Shek (1887-1975) emerged as the leader of the Guomindang as he launched a military campaign to control the warlords, regional leaders who had usurped authority, and to eliminate the communists.
He advocated a secular and rational 'this-worldly' Confucianism, but also sought to militarise the nation. The people, he said, must develop a habit and instinct for unified behaviour.
He encouraged women to cultivate the four virtues of 'chastity, appearance, speech and work' and recognise their role as confined to the household. Even the length of hemlines was prescribed.