Founded in 1912 in Peking, the Kuomintang (KMT), or Nationalist Party, emerged following the Xinhai Revolution, which marked the end of over two millennia of imperial rule in China. Sun Yat-sen, an influential revolutionary leader, played a fundamental role in its establishment alongside other advocates for modernization and nationalism. The KMT aimed to establish a democratic government and reform the nation by combating the internal division and foreign influence that plagued China during the transitional period. The founding of the KMT marked a significant shift in Chinese political ideology, as it embraced nationalism, democracy, and people's livelihood as core principles.

In its early years, the KMT faced considerable challenges, including the consolidation of power and competition from warlords across the country. However, through strategic alliances and the leadership of figures such as Chiang Kai-shek, the party gained prominence in the tumultuous political landscape of early 20th-century China. The KMT played a pivotal role in unifying various factions and ultimately established the National Government in Nanjing in 1927, marking a turning point in Chinese governance.

As the KMT continued to grow, it ingrained its ideas of self-strengthening and modernization into Chinese politics. The party struggled to maintain control amid the rise of communism and foreign threats during this period, leading to fierce conflicts between the KMT and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), eventually leading to a civil war. The KMT's founding set in motion developments that shaped modern China's political trajectory and laid the foundation for nationalist movements across Asia.