What is the most likely reason Chiang Kai-shek was able to rule as a dictator?

The end of the republic brought years of political instability, warlord conflict, and disorder. Many people therefore accepted strong centralized rule as a way to restore order, helping Chiang Kai-shek govern dictatorially. Choice B is less convincing because warlord rule was part of the instability, not proof that democracy itself was ineffective.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.