koumintang

Definition
  1. Noun (proper noun):
    • A major political party in China: "Koumintang" (also spelled Kuomintang) refers to a nationalist political party founded in 1912 by Sun Yat-sen. It was the ruling party of China from 1927 to 1949, and after its defeat in the Chinese Civil War, it became the dominant party in Taiwan (Republic of China). The name translates to "National People's Party" or "Nationalist Party."
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The Koumintang played a central role in the early 20th-century history of China. (The nationalist party was a key political force.)
    • After 1949, the Koumintang retreated to Taiwan and continued to govern the island. (The party relocated and maintained authority in Taiwan.)
    • Many historians study the Koumintang's policies during the Nanjing decade. (The party's governance from 1927 to 1937 is a focus of research.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Koumintang government": the administration led by the party.

    • The Koumintang government implemented land reforms in the 1950s in Taiwan. (The party's leadership carried out agricultural changes.)

  • "Koumintang legacy": the historical and political influence of the party.

    • The Koumintang legacy includes both its role in modernizing China and its authoritarian rule. (The party's mixed historical impact is debated.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Kuomintang (n): an alternative spelling of Koumintang, more common in historical and academic texts.

    • The Kuomintang was founded by Dr. Sun Yat-sen. (The party's founding figure is widely recognized.)

  • Nationalist Party (n): the English translation of the party's name.

    • The Nationalist Party, or Koumintang, was a key player in the Chinese Civil War. (The English name clarifies its identity.)
Synonyms
  • Nationalist Party: the party's official English designation.
  • Guomindang: a romanization based on the Mandarin pronunciation (less common in English).
Related Idioms

  • "Koumintang era": the period of Koumintang rule in China (1927–1949).

    • The Koumintang era saw rapid industrialization but also political repression. (The time of party dominance had both progress and control.)

  • "Koumintang stronghold": a region where the party has significant support.

    • Taiwan was once a Koumintang stronghold, but its influence has declined. (The party's base of power diminished over time.)