Western and Chinese Historiography on Chiang Kai-Shek’s Military and Political Career at the Turn and at the Beginning of the 1920s

Chiang Kai-shek, one of the most remarkable and controversial figure in Modern China history, has been the focus of a huge number of studies. The Chinese and Western historians have carried out considerable research on this outstanding figure. Nevertheless, no thorough study has been reported about the differences in the Chinese and Western scholars’ views and methodology concerning Chiang Kai-shek’s military and political activity during the foundation of the Chinese Republic. The present study explores the different features of the Western and Chinese in assessing Chiang Kai-shek’s early career. In order to accomplish it, the research will be primarily based on the qualitative research method. It involves gathering information from the studies of the Western and Chinese specialists and the official documents published within the prescribed period. This study will contribute to knowledge of the Chinese and Western historians’ research methods. Key words: Chiang Kai-shek, Chinese historians, Western historians, Chinese Republic, political activity, military career