Question

Why was the Nationalist Party more popular in China’s cities than in the countryside?

Wealthy people who supported the party were concentrated in cities.
People in the countryside were less active in politics than people in the city.
Poor city dwellers hoped the Nationalist Party would bring economic change.
The Nationalist Party threatened to end crop trade with Western nations.

Answer 1

The reason the Nationalist Party (Kuomintang, or KMT) was more popular in China's cities than in the countryside can be primarily attributed to the third option: **Poor city dwellers hoped the Nationalist Party would bring economic change.**

In urban areas, there was a significant population of workers and small business owners who were looking for stability and economic growth in the wake of chaos and warlordism. The Nationalist Party promised modernization, economic development, and national unity, which resonated with city dwellers seeking better job opportunities and improved living conditions.

In contrast, rural populations were often more conservative and tied to traditional agricultural practices, and they were less engaged with the political ideologies and promises of the Nationalist Party. Furthermore, rural areas were often less affected by the rapid social changes and modernization efforts that were the focus of Nationalist policies. Thus, while the party had some support in rural areas, it typically garnered stronger backing in the cities where people were looking for significant reforms and economic opportunities.