Part 6/10:
The 19th century was pivotal for the Tiandihui, particularly as events like the Taiping Rebellion showcased their capacity for political maneuvering. The society’s numbers swelled when rebellions took place, allowing them to act as a powerful force against oppressive regimes. Their role transformed further during the early 20th century, when Dr. Sun Yat-sen, revered as the father of modern China, leveraged their networks to help overthrow the Qing dynasty.
With the success of the Xinhai revolution in 1911, the primary purpose of the Tiandihui—to restore Han rule—was ostensibly achieved. Yet, what followed was a decline of their original mission, leading to a gradual transition into criminality as the need for patriotism diminished.