Before 1912, China was in what is called the Qing Dynasty. There were many efforts against China becoming a modern country, and the current emperor Ci Xi made sure to keep it that way. When Ci Xi died and the next emperor in line was a 2-year-old, the people of China revolted and formed a new and westernized republic. (a form of government similar to a democracy, but the people as a whole are represented by a few government officials. The USA is one of these)