Why did many Chinese people support the Nationalists at the beginning of the twentieth century?

Many Chinese people supported the Nationalists at the beginning of the twentieth century because they promised to unify China, overthrow foreign imperialist powers, and modernize the country. The Nationalists, led by figures such as Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek, advocated for a more democratic and nationalist vision for China, which resonated with many people who were frustrated with the corruption and ineffectiveness of the Qing dynasty government. Additionally, the Nationalist Party, also known as the Kuomintang, gained support from various social and economic groups, including intellectuals, students, and businessmen, who saw the Nationalists as a means to improve China's standing in the world and address its internal challenges.