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[[File:Chinese warlords 1925.jpg|thumb|250px|Major Chinese warlord coalitions as of 1925]]
[[File:Chinese warlords 1925.jpg|thumb|250px|Major Chinese warlord coalitions as of 1925]]


The '''[[Warlord Era]]''' was a historical period of the [[Republic of China (1912–1949)|Republic of China]] that began from 1916 and lasted until the mid-1930s, during which the country was divided and ruled by various military [[clique]]s following the death of [[Yuan Shikai]] in 1916. Communist revolution broke out in the later part of the warlord period, beginning the [[Chinese Civil War]]. The era nominally ended in 1928 at the conclusion of the [[Northern Expedition]] with the [[Northeast Flag Replacement]], beginning the "[[Nanjing decade]]". However, "residual warlords" continued to exist into the 1930s under ''de jure'' [[Kuomintang]] rule, and remained until the end of the Communist victory in 1949.<ref>{{cite book|last1=McCord|first1=Edward A.|title=Reevaluating the Nanjing Decade: a Provincial Perspective|publisher=George Washington University|page=4|url=https://aacs.ccny.cuny.edu/2012conference/Papers/McCord,%2520Edward.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwi52d6FicjZAhWIN48KHVIuBYMQFjAAegQIBBAB&usg=AOvVaw0cNIFpPjjB7OXQW0B_2-EY|access-date=28 February 2018}}</ref>
The [[Warlord Era]] was a historical period of the [[Republic of China (1912–1949)|Republic of China]] that began from 1916 and lasted until the mid-1930s, during which the country was divided and ruled by various military [[clique]]s following the death of [[Yuan Shikai]] in 1916. Communist revolution broke out in the later part of the warlord period, beginning the [[Chinese Civil War]]. The era nominally ended in 1928 at the conclusion of the [[Northern Expedition]] with the [[Northeast Flag Replacement]], beginning the "[[Nanjing decade]]". However, "residual warlords" continued to exist into the 1930s under ''de jure'' [[Kuomintang]] rule, and remained until the end of the Communist victory in 1949.<ref>{{cite book|last1=McCord|first1=Edward A.|title=Reevaluating the Nanjing Decade: a Provincial Perspective|publisher=George Washington University|page=4|url=https://aacs.ccny.cuny.edu/2012conference/Papers/McCord,%2520Edward.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwi52d6FicjZAhWIN48KHVIuBYMQFjAAegQIBBAB&usg=AOvVaw0cNIFpPjjB7OXQW0B_2-EY|access-date=28 February 2018}}</ref>


The '''warlords and military cliques of the Warlord Era''' are generally divided into the Northern factions and the Southern factions. The following is a list of cliques within each faction, and the dominant warlords within that clique.
The warlords and military cliques of the Warlord Era are generally divided into the Northern factions and the Southern factions. The following is a list of cliques within each faction, and the dominant warlords within that clique.


==Northern factions==
==Northern factions==
[[File:Flag of China (1912–1928).svg|thumb|200px|Flag used by the Northern governments of China]]
The cliques in the North emerged from the fragmentation of the [[Beiyang]] Government/Army. Most of them were generals under [[Yuan Shikai]]. After the death of Yuan, they separated and formed cliques in their own sphere of influence.
The cliques in the North emerged from the fragmentation of the [[Beiyang]] Government/Army. Most of them were generals under [[Yuan Shikai]]. After the death of Yuan, they separated and formed cliques in their own sphere of influence.


===[[Anhui clique]]===
===Anhui Clique===
{{main|Anhui clique}}
The Anhui clique was so named because many of its most influential members were from Anhui, including founder Duan Qirui. It had a affiliated political party, the Anfu club, and a financial wing, the [[Communications Clique|New Communications clique]], under Deputy Foreign Minister [[Cao Rulin]].
The Anhui clique was named so because many of its most influential members were from [[Anhui]], including founder [[Duan Qirui]]. It had an affiliated political party, the Anfu club, and a financial wing, the [[Communications Clique|New Communications clique]], under Deputy Foreign Minister [[Cao Rulin]].


The clique had close ties to Japan, granting heavy concessions in exchange for funding and military training,<ref>{{cite book
The clique had close ties to Japan, granting concessions in exchange for funding and military training,<ref>{{cite book
| last = Wasserstrom
| last = Wasserstrom
| first = J
| first = J
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| publisher = Routledge
| publisher = Routledge
| isbn = 0-415-19504-7
| isbn = 0-415-19504-7
| page=49}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book | last = Gray | first = Jack | title = Rebellions and Revolutions: China from the 1800s to 2000 | location = New York | publisher = Oxford University Press | pages=177 |year = 2002 | isbn = 978-0-19-870069-2}}</ref> and advocated war against the [[German Empire]] as part of the First World War, as well as military suppression of the Kuomintang.
| page=49}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book | last = Gray | first = Jack | title = Rebellions and Revolutions: China from the 1800s to 2000 | location = New York | publisher = Oxford University Press | pages=177 |year = 2002 | isbn = 978-0-19-870069-2}}</ref> and advocated war against the [[German Empire]] as part of the [[World War I|First World War]], as well as military suppression of the Kuomintang.


The clique was removed from power after the [[Zhili–Anhui War]] and slowly faded from prominence.
The clique was removed from power after the [[Zhili–Anhui War]] and slowly faded from prominence.
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|| 1912–1924 || [[Viceroy]] of [[Shandong]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=16kIdfO_78cC&q=Zhang+Huaizhi&pg=PA21|title=The Scars of War: The Impact of Warfare on Modern China|first1=Diana|last1=Lary|first2=Stephen R.|last2=MacKinnon|editor1-first=Diana|editor1-last=Lary|editor2-first=Stephen R.|editor2-last=MacKinnon|others=Diana Lary|year=2001|publisher=UBC Press|edition=3, illustrated|isbn=0774808403|page=21|access-date=2012-05-18}}</ref> Former supporter of Yuan Shikai's Empire; eliminated in the [[Second Zhili–Fengtian War]]
|| 1912–1924 || [[Viceroy]] of [[Shandong]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=16kIdfO_78cC&q=Zhang+Huaizhi&pg=PA21|title=The Scars of War: The Impact of Warfare on Modern China|first1=Diana|last1=Lary|first2=Stephen R.|last2=MacKinnon|editor1-first=Diana|editor1-last=Lary|editor2-first=Stephen R.|editor2-last=MacKinnon|others=Diana Lary|year=2001|publisher=UBC Press|edition=3, illustrated|isbn=0774808403|page=21|access-date=2012-05-18}}</ref> Former supporter of Yuan Shikai's Empire; eliminated in the [[Second Zhili–Fengtian War]]
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|| [[:zh:王永泉|Wang Yongquan]]
|| [[Wang Yongquan (general)|Wang Yongquan]]
王永泉
王永泉
|align=center|[[File:Wang Yongquan.jpg|50px]]
|align=center|[[File:Wang Yongquan.jpg|50px]]
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|}
|}


===[[Zhili clique]]===
===Zhili Clique===
{{main|Zhili clique}}
[[Zhili]] was the province surrounding Beijing, now the province of [[Hebei]].
[[Zhili]] was the name for the area of what is now Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei.


The Zhili clique was formed by officers disgruntled with the Anhui clique and rallied around [[Feng Guozhang]]. It was aligned to Western powers.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Denis Crispin Twitchett |last2=John King Fairbank |title=The Cambridge History of China, Volume 12, Part 1 |date=1978 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=0521235413 |page=307}}</ref>
The Zhili clique was formed by officers disgruntled with the Anhui clique and rallied around [[Feng Guozhang]]. It was aligned to Western powers.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Denis Crispin Twitchett |last2=John King Fairbank |title=The Cambridge History of China, Volume 12, Part 1 |date=1978 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=0521235413 |page=307}}</ref>


The clique took power after the [[Zhili–Anhui War]] but lost it after the [[Second Zhili–Fengtian War]].
The clique took power after the [[Zhili–Anhui War]] but lost after the [[Second Zhili–Fengtian War]]. It was largely wiped out during the [[Northern Expedition]].<ref>{{cite book

It was largely wiped out during the [[Northern Expedition]].<ref>{{cite book
|last = Nathan
|last = Nathan
|first = Andrew
|first = Andrew
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|| [[Li Chun (warlord)|Li Chun]]<ref name=es>{{cite book|last=Esherick|first=Joseph|year=2013|title=China: How the Empire Fell|publisher=Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group|location=New York|isbn=978-0415831017}}</ref>
|| [[Li Chun (warlord)|Li Chun]]<ref name=es>{{cite book|last=Esherick|first=Joseph|year=2013|title=China: How the Empire Fell|publisher=Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group|location=New York|isbn=978-0415831017}}</ref>
李純
李純
|align=center| [[File:Li_Chun.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:Li Chun.jpg|50px]]
|| ||
|| ||
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|| [[Wang Zhanyuan]]<ref name=es />
|| [[Wang Zhanyuan]]<ref name=es />
王占元
王占元
|align=center| [[File:Wang_Zhanyuan3.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:Wang Zhanyuan3.jpg|50px]]
|| || Hubei warlord
|| || Hubei warlord
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
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|| ||
|| ||
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|| [[Wang Chengbin]]
|| [[Wang Chengbin (born 1874)|Wang Chengbin]]
王承斌
王承斌
|align=center| [[File:Wang_Chengbin.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:Wang Chengbin.jpg|50px]]
|||| Ethnic Manchu
|||| Ethnic Manchu
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
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|| [[Qi Xieyuan]]
|| [[Qi Xieyuan]]
齊燮元
齊燮元
|align=center| [[File:Qi_Xieyuan1.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:Qi Xieyuan1.jpg|50px]]
||1920–1924||Inspector-general of [[Jiangsu]], [[Jiangxi]] and [[Anhui]] Provinces. Later Japanese puppet, executed after the war.<ref>{{Cite book<!--|和書-->|author = 来新夏等|title = 北洋軍閥史 下冊|year = 2001|publisher = [[南開大学]]出版社|isbn = 7-310-01517-7}}</ref>
||1920–1924||Inspector-general of [[Jiangsu]], [[Jiangxi]] and [[Anhui]] Provinces. Later Japanese puppet, executed after the war.<ref>{{Cite book<!--|和書-->|author = 来新夏等|title = 北洋軍閥史 下冊|year = 2001|publisher = [[南開大学]]出版社|isbn = 7-310-01517-7}}</ref>
|}
|}


===[[Fengtian clique]]===
===Fengtian clique===
{{main|Fengtian clique}}
[[Liaoning|Fengtian]] is the former name of [[Liaoning]] province, and was the political center of [[Manchuria]].
[[Liaoning|Fengtian]] is the former name of [[Liaoning]] province, and was the political center of [[Manchuria]].


The Fengtian clique controlled most of Manchuria up to [[Shanhai Pass]] and had a close relationship with Japan.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Edward L. Dreyer |title=China at War 1901-1949 |date=2014 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=1317899849 |page=122}}</ref> Its civilian branch was the [[Communications Clique]], under Premier [[Liang Shiyi]].
The Fengtian clique controlled most of Manchuria up to the [[Shanhai Pass]] and had a close relationship with [[Empire of Japan|Japan]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Edward L. Dreyer |title=China at War 1901-1949 |date=2014 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1317899846 |page=122}}</ref> Its civilian branch was the [[Communications Clique]], under Premier [[Liang Shiyi]].


It took power in Beijing after the [[Second Zhili–Fengtian War]] but could not stop the [[Kuomintang]] during the [[Northern Expedition]], and was driven from Manchuria after the [[Mukden Incident]] and merged with the Kuomintang.
It took power in Beijing after the [[Second Zhili–Fengtian War]] but could not stop the [[Kuomintang]] during the [[Northern Expedition]], and was driven from Manchuria after the [[Mukden Incident]] and merged with the Kuomintang.
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張作霖
張作霖
|align=center| [[File:Zhang Zuo-lin.png|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:Zhang Zuo-lin.png|50px]]
|| 1916–1928 || Leader of the Fengtian Army, ruler of [[Northeast China]]; [[Huanggutun incident|Assassinated]] by a Japanese military officer for his failure to halt the expansion of the [[Kuomintang]]
|| 1916–1928 || Leader of the [[Fengtian Army]], ruler of [[Northeast China]]; [[Huanggutun incident|Assassinated]] by a Japanese military officer for his failure to halt the expansion of the [[Kuomintang]]
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|| [[Zhang Xueliang]]
|| [[Zhang Xueliang]]
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郭松齡
郭松齡
|align=center| [[File:GuoSongling.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:GuoSongling.jpg|50px]]
|| 1920–1925 || General in the Fengtian Army. Rebelled during the [[Anti-Fengtian War]] but was defeated and killed in action
|| 1920–1925 || General in the [[Fengtian Army]]. Rebelled during the [[Anti-Fengtian War]] but was defeated and killed in action
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|| [[Zhang Zongchang]]
|| [[Zhang Zongchang]]
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|}
|}


===[[Shanxi clique]]===
===Shanxi/Jin Clique===
Formed in the aftermath of the [[Xinhai Revolution]], the Shanxi clique was limited to [[Shanxi]] province only.
{{main|Shanxi clique}}
Formed in the [[Xinhai Revolution]], the Shanxi clique was limited to [[Shanxi]] province only.


Jin was the traditional name of Shanxi province. Therefore, the clique is often called the Jin clique as well.
Although affiliated with the Anhui clique, Yan Xishan remained neutral until the [[Northern Expedition]], during which he sided with the [[Kuomintang]].

Although affiliated with the Anhui clique, [[Yan Xishan]], leader of the Shanxi Clique, remained neutral until the [[Northern Expedition]], during which he sided with the [[Kuomintang]].
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor=#cccccc
|- bgcolor="#cccccc"
! width=120px | Name !! width=51px | !! width=150px | Years of dominance !! Notes
! width="120px" | Name !! width="51px" | !! width="150px" | Years of dominance !! Notes
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor="#E6E6FA"
|| [[Yan Xishan]]
|| [[Yan Xishan]]
閻錫山
閻錫山
|align=center| [[File:Yan Xishan.png|50px]]
| align="center" | [[File:Yan Xishan.png|50px]]
||1911–1949 || Military ruler of [[Shanxi]]; Joined the [[Kuomintang]] but later rebelled against [[Chiang Kai-shek]] in the [[Central Plains War]].<ref name=Taylor /> Defeated by the Communists in 1949, withdrew to Taiwan
||1911–1949 || Military ruler of [[Shanxi]]; Joined the [[Kuomintang]] but later rebelled against [[Chiang Kai-shek]] in the [[Central Plains War]].<ref name="Taylor" /> Defeated by the Communists in 1949, withdrew to Taiwan
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor="#E6E6FA"
|| [[Fu Zuoyi]]
|| [[Fu Zuoyi]]
傅作義
傅作義
|align=center| [[File:Fu_Zuoyi.jpg|50px]]
| align="center" | [[File:Fu Zuoyi.jpg|50px]]
||1927–1949 || ruler of [[Suiyuan]]; defected to the Communists in 1949
||1927–1949 || Ruler of [[Suiyuan]]; defected to the Communists in 1949
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor="#E6E6FA"
|| [[Shang Zhen]]
|| [[Shang Zhen]]
商震
商震
|align=center| [[File:Shang Zhen.jpg|50px]]
| align="center" | [[File:Shang Zhen.jpg|50px]]
|| ||
|| ||
|}
|}


===[[Guominjun]]===
===Guominjun===
{{main|Guominjun}}
Also known as the Northwestern Army, it was formed from disgruntled Zhili clique officers during the [[Second Zhili–Fengtian War]], through the [[Beijing Coup]].
Also known as the Northwestern Army, it was formed from disgruntled Zhili clique officers during the [[Second Zhili–Fengtian War]], through the [[Beijing Coup]].


Although originally sympathetic to the Kuomintang, it rebelled in the 1930 Central Plains War and was defeated.<ref name=Taylor /> It was aligned to the Soviet Union.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Anthony B. Chan |title=Arming the Chinese: The Western Armaments Trade in Warlord China, 1920-28, Second Edition |date=2011 |publisher=UBC Press |isbn=0774819928 |pages=100–101}}</ref>
Although originally sympathetic to the Kuomintang, it rebelled in the [[Central Plains War|1930 Central Plains War]] and was defeated.<ref name=Taylor /> It was aligned to the [[Soviet Union]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Anthony B. Chan |title=Arming the Chinese: The Western Armaments Trade in Warlord China, 1920-28, Second Edition |date=2011 |publisher=UBC Press |isbn=978-0774819923 |pages=100–101}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor=#cccccc
|- bgcolor=#cccccc
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|| [[Hu Jingyi]]
|| [[Hu Jingyi]]
胡景翼
胡景翼
|align=center| [[File:Hu_Jingyi2.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:Hu Jingyi2.jpg|50px]]
|| 1924–1925 ||Military governor of [[Henan]]
|| 1924–1925 ||Military governor of [[Henan]]
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|| [[Deng Baoshan]]
|| [[Deng Baoshan]]
鄧寶珊
鄧寶珊
|align=center|[[File:Deng BaoShan 1968.jpg|50px]]
|align=center|
|||| Subordinate of Hu Jingyi, later Communist governor of Gansu, killed in the Cultural Revolution.
|||| Subordinate of Hu Jingyi, later Communist governor of Gansu, killed in the Cultural Revolution.
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
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|| [[Bie Tingfang]]
|| [[Bie Tingfang]]
別廷芳
別廷芳
|align=center| [[File:Bie_Tingfang.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:Bie Tingfang.jpg|50px]]
|| ||[[Henan]] warlord; switched to KMT
|| ||[[Henan]] warlord; switched to KMT
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|| [[Sun Dianying]]
|| [[Sun Dianying]]
孫殿英
孫殿英
|align=center| [[File:Sun_Dianying.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:Sun Dianying.jpg|50px]]
|| ||[[Henan]] bandit; allied with Feng Yuxiang, Zhang Zongchang<ref>{{cite book
|| ||[[Henan]] bandit; allied with Feng Yuxiang, Zhang Zongchang<ref>{{cite book
|last =Jowett
|last =Jowett
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|| [[:zh:張之江|Zhang Zhijiang]]
|| [[:zh:張之江|Zhang Zhijiang]]
張之江
張之江
|align=center|[[File:Zhang_Zhi_Jiang2.jpg|50px]]
|align=center|[[File:Zhang Zhi Jiang2.jpg|50px]]
||||
||||
|}
|}


===[[Ma clique]]===
===Ma clique===
{{main|Ma clique}}
[[File:Ma Clique Flag.png|thumb|262x262px|Flag allegedly used by the Ma family in [[Ningxia]], [[Qinghai]] and [[Gansu]].]]
The "'''Three Mas of the Northwest'''" or "'''Xibei San Ma'''" originated in the [[Kansu Braves]] militia formed during the [[Dungan revolt (1895–96)|Dungan revolt]]. All Ma Clique Generals were [[Hui Chinese]] [[Muslims|Muslim]] [[Kuomintang]] members. The Ma Cliques [[Muslim conflict in Gansu (1927–30)|Fought against the Guominjun]] during the Central Plains War and attempted to destroy the [[Xinjiang clique]] during the [[Kumul Rebellion]] but were defeated by [[Soviet invasion of Xinjiang|Soviet Red Army intervention]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Who's Who in China; Biographies of Chinese Leaders|year=1936|location=Shanghai|publisher=THE CHINA WEEKLY REVIEW|url=https://archive.org/stream/5edwhoswhoinchina00shanuoft#page/184/mode/2up|page=184|access-date=24 April 2014}}</ref>

The "Three Mas of the Northwest" originated in the [[Kansu Braves]] militia formed during the [[Dungan revolt (1895–96)|Dungan revolt]]. All Ma Clique Generals were [[Hui Chinese]] Muslim [[Kuomintang]] members. [[Muslim conflict in Gansu (1927–30)|Fought against the Guominjun]] during the Central Plains War.

Attempted to destroy the Xinjiang Clique during the [[Kumul Rebellion]] but was defeated by [[Soviet invasion of Xinjiang|Soviet Red Army intervention]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Who's Who in China; Biographies of Chinese Leaders|year=1936|location=Shanghai|publisher=THE CHINA WEEKLY REVIEW|url=https://archive.org/stream/5edwhoswhoinchina00shanuoft#page/184/mode/2up|page=184|access-date=24 April 2014}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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|| 1923–1949 || Army commander then ruler of [[Ningxia]] Province from 1932<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CKc5AQAAIAAJ&q=Hung-pin+son|title=Asia: journal of the American Asiatic Association, Volume 40|author=American Asiatic Association|year=1940|publisher=Asia Pub. Co.|page=660|access-date=2011-05-08}}</ref>
|| 1923–1949 || Army commander then ruler of [[Ningxia]] Province from 1932<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CKc5AQAAIAAJ&q=Hung-pin+son|title=Asia: journal of the American Asiatic Association, Volume 40|author=American Asiatic Association|year=1940|publisher=Asia Pub. Co.|page=660|access-date=2011-05-08}}</ref>
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|| [[Ma Chung-ying|Ma Zhongying]]
|| [[Ma Zhongying]]
馬仲英
馬仲英
|align=center| [[File:Ma Zhongying.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:Ma Zhongying.jpg|50px]]
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|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|| [[Ma Qi]]
|| [[Ma Qi]]
|align=center| [[File:Ma Qi.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:Ma Qi.jpg|50px]]
|| 1915–1931 || [[Ninghai Army]] ruler of [[Qinghai]] province, influential in [[Gansu]] province
|| 1915–1931 || [[Ninghai Army]] ruler of [[Qinghai]] province, influential in [[Gansu]] province
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|}
|}


===[[Xinjiang clique]]===
===Xinjiang clique===
{{main|Xinjiang clique}}
Under Yang Zengxin, the clique organized the defence against the Soviet encroachment,<ref name=Yang>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IAs9AAAAIAAJ&q=beware+of+associating+thenselves+with+a+people+who+are+entirely+without+religion+and+who+would+harm+them+and+mislead+their+women|title=Warlords and Muslims in Chinese Central Asia: a political history of Republican Sinkiang 1911–1949|author=Andrew D. W. Forbes|year=1986|publisher=CUP Archive|location=Cambridge, England|isbn=0-521-25514-7|page=17|access-date=2010-06-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IAs9AAAAIAAJ&q=ma+shao-wu+anti+soviet+measures&pg=PA80|title=Warlords and Muslims in Chinese Central Asia: A Political History of Republican Sinkiang 1911–1949|author=Andrew D.W. Forbes|year=1986|publisher=CUP Archive|location=Cambridge, England|isbn=0-521-25514-7|page=66|access-date=June 28, 2010}}</ref> but later closely affiliated with the Soviet Union.
Under Yang Zengxin, the clique organized the defence against the Soviet encroachment,<ref name=Yang>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IAs9AAAAIAAJ&q=beware+of+associating+thenselves+with+a+people+who+are+entirely+without+religion+and+who+would+harm+them+and+mislead+their+women|title=Warlords and Muslims in Chinese Central Asia: a political history of Republican Sinkiang 1911–1949|author=Andrew D. W. Forbes|year=1986|publisher=CUP Archive|location=Cambridge, England|isbn=0-521-25514-7|page=17|access-date=2010-06-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IAs9AAAAIAAJ&q=ma+shao-wu+anti+soviet+measures&pg=PA80|title=Warlords and Muslims in Chinese Central Asia: A Political History of Republican Sinkiang 1911–1949|author=Andrew D.W. Forbes|year=1986|publisher=CUP Archive|location=Cambridge, England|isbn=0-521-25514-7|page=66|access-date=June 28, 2010}}</ref> but later closely affiliated with the Soviet Union.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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|}
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=== [[Manchu Restoration|Manchu Restorationists]] ===
===Manchu Restorationists===
{{main|Manchu Restoration}}
In July 1917 a clique of generals and officials were able to conquer and occupy Beijing, temporarily restoring the deposed child emperor [[Puyi]] for a little over a week.<ref>{{Cite web|title=China - China in World War I|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/China|access-date=2021-09-26|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref>
In July 1917 a clique of generals and officials were able to conquer and occupy Beijing, temporarily restoring the [[Imperial Edict of the Abdication of the Qing Emperor|deposed]] child emperor [[Puyi]] for 12 days.<ref>{{Cite web|title=China - China in World War I|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/China|access-date=2021-09-26|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#cccccc"
|- bgcolor="#cccccc"
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| align="center" | [[File:Jiang Chaozong2.jpg|83x83px]]
| align="center" | [[File:Jiang Chaozong2.jpg|83x83px]]
|| July 1–12, 1917 ||
|| July 1–12, 1917 ||
|- bgcolor="#E6E6FA"
|}
|}


==Southern factions==
==Southern factions==
[[File:Naval Jack of the Republic of China.svg|thumb|200px|Flag of Kuomintang used by most southern factions]]
The military cliques in the South are generally regional revolutionary leaders that took over after the fall of [[Qing dynasty]] in [[Xinhai Revolution]].
The military cliques in the South are generally regional revolutionary leaders that took over after the fall of [[Qing dynasty]] in [[Xinhai Revolution]].


===[[Kuomintang]]===
===Kuomintang===
{{main|Kuomintang}}
The Nationalist Party of China, derived from the [[Tongmenghui]] revolutionary organization, it established a rival government of the Republic of China in [[Guangzhou]], [[Guangdong]] Province in the 1913 [[Second Revolution (Republic of China)|Second Revolution]] and in the 1917 [[Constitutional Protection War]]. Its military arm was the [[National Revolutionary Army]].
The Nationalist Party of China, derived from the [[Tongmenghui]] revolutionary organization, established a rival government of the [[Beiyang government|Beiyang Government]] in [[Guangzhou]], [[Guangdong]] Province in the 1913 [[Second Revolution (Republic of China)|Second Revolution]] and in the 1917 [[Constitutional Protection War]]. Its military was called the [[National Revolutionary Army]].

The party nominally [[Chinese reunification (1928)|reunified China]] in 1928 after defeating most Northern factions during the [[Northern Expedition]],<ref>{{cite book |last=Strand |first=David |editor1-last = Goldman |editor1-first=Merle |editor2-last=Perry |editor2-first=Elizabeth |editor2-link=Elizabeth J. Perry |title = Changing Meanings of Citizenship in Modern China |chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=YF-ftHbw59sC&pg=PA389 |year=2002 |publisher=Harvard University Press |location=[[Cambridge, Massachusetts]], United States |isbn = 978-0-674-00766-6 |chapter = Chapter 2: Citizens in the Audience and at the Podium|pages=59–60}}</ref> governing the country from [[Nanjing]].


The party nominally [[Chinese reunification (1928)|reunified China]] in 1928 after defeating most Northern factions during the KMT's [[Northern Expedition]],<ref>{{cite book |last=Strand |first=David |editor1-last = Goldman |editor1-first=Merle |editor2-last=Perry |editor2-first=Elizabeth |editor2-link=Elizabeth J. Perry |title = Changing Meanings of Citizenship in Modern China |chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=YF-ftHbw59sC&pg=PA389 |year=2002 |publisher=Harvard University Press |location=[[Cambridge, Massachusetts]], United States |isbn = 978-0-674-00766-6 |chapter = Chapter 2: Citizens in the Audience and at the Podium|pages=59–60}}</ref> [[Nationalist government|governing the country]] from [[Nanjing]].
Run as a ''[[Dang Guo]]'' (黨國), or Party-State, along the lines of the organisational principles of [[Leninism]], the party's ideology was based on [[Socialist ideology of the Kuomintang|Socialism]] and [[Nationalism]]. Initially Soviet-backed, after the [[Shanghai massacre]] it allied with Germany.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor=#cccccc
|- bgcolor=#cccccc
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蔣介石
蔣介石
|align=center| [[File:Chiang Kai-shek.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:Chiang Kai-shek.jpg|50px]]
|| 1926–1975 || Military leader of the Kuomintang and later President
|| 1926–1975 || Military leader of the Kuomintang and later President of the ROC until his death
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|| [[He Yingqin]]
|| [[He Yingqin]]
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|}
|}


===[[Communist Party of China|Communist Party]]===
===Chinese Communist Party===
{{main|Chinese Communist Party}}
The Communist Party of China, formed in 1921 in the aftermath of the [[May Fourth Movement]]. Its military arm eventually became the [[People's Liberation Army]].
The Chinese Communist Party, formed in 1921 in the aftermath of the [[May Fourth Movement]]. Its military arm eventually became the [[People's Liberation Army]].


The party was allied with the [[Kuomintang]] during the first phase of the [[Northern Expedition]], but the two sides split following the [[Shanghai massacre]] in 1927. The two parties would then fight a decades long [[Chinese Civil War|civil war]], which ended with the Kuomintang retreat to [[Taiwan]] and the founding of the [[History of the People's Republic of China|People's Republic of China]] on the mainland.
The party was allied with the [[Kuomintang]] during the first phase of the [[Northern Expedition]], but the two sides split following the [[Shanghai massacre]] in 1927. The two parties would then fight a decades long [[Chinese Civil War|civil war]], which ended with the Kuomintang retreat to [[Taiwan]] and the founding of the [[History of the People's Republic of China|People's Republic of China]] on the mainland.
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|| [[Li Dazhao]]
|| [[Li Dazhao]]
李大釗
李大釗
|align=center| [[File:1930_Li_Dazhao_Chinese_comintern.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:1930 Li Dazhao Chinese comintern.jpg|50px]]
|| 1921–1927 || Party co-founder, captured and executed by Zhang Zuolin during the Northern Expedition
|| 1921–1927 || Party co-founder, captured and executed by Zhang Zuolin during the Northern Expedition
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|| [[Zhou Enlai]]
|| [[Zhou Enlai]]
周恩来
周恩来
|align=center| [[File:Premier_Zhou_1919.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:Premier Zhou 1919.jpg|50px]]
|| 1924–1976 || Senior party leader, later [[Premier of the People's Republic of China]]
|| 1924–1976 || Senior party leader, later [[Premier of the People's Republic of China]]
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
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|}
|}


===[[Yunnan clique]]===
===Yunnan clique===
{{main|Yunnan clique}}
The Yunnan Military Government was established on October 30, 1911, with [[Cai E]] elected as the military governor. This marked the beginning of the "[[Yunnan clique]]".
The Yunnan Military Government was established on October 30, 1911, with [[Cai E]] elected as the military governor. This marked the beginning of the "[[Yunnan clique]]".


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朱德
朱德
|align=center| [[File:1916 Zhu De.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:1916 Zhu De.jpg|50px]]
|| 1911–1920 || protege of Cai, later Commander-in-Chief of the [[Chinese Red Army]]<ref>{{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Ac5eFSWg02QC&pg=PA168 |title = Provincial Patriots|isbn = 9780674026650|last1 = Platt|first1 = Stephen R.|year = 2007}}</ref><ref name="britannica.com">{{cite encyclopedia |url = http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/657001/Zhu-De |title = Zhu De |encyclopedia = Encyclopædia Britannica}}</ref>
|| 1911–1920 || protege of Cai, later Commander-in-Chief of the [[Chinese Red Army]]<ref>{{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Ac5eFSWg02QC&pg=PA168 |title = Provincial Patriots|isbn = 9780674026650|last1 = Platt|first1 = Stephen R.|year = 2007}}</ref><ref name="britannica.com">{{cite encyclopedia |url = http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/657001/Zhu-De |title = Zhu De |encyclopedia = Encyclopædia Britannica|date = 17 April 2024 }}</ref>
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|| [[Tang Jiyao]]
|| [[Tang Jiyao]]
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龍雲
龍雲
|align=center| [[File:Long Yun2.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:Long Yun2.jpg|50px]]
|| 1927–1945 || Governor of Yunnan
|| 1927–1945 || Ethnic [[Yi people|Yi]], Governor of Yunnan
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|| [[Lu Han (general)|Lu Han]]
|| [[Lu Han (general)|Lu Han]]
盧漢
盧漢
|align=center| [[File:Lu Han1.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:Lu Han1.jpg|50px]]
|| 1937–1949 || Ethnic [[Yi people|Nuosu]] and cousin of Long Yun, defected to communists in 1949.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qhe6vP66jN0C&q=lu+han+graduated+from+them+national&pg=PA483|title=Modern China: A Guide to a Century of Change|author=Graham Hutchings|year=2003|publisher=Harvard University Press|page=483|isbn=0-674-01240-2}}</ref>
|| 1937–1949 || Ethnic [[Yi people|Yi]] and cousin of Long Yun, defected to communists in 1949.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qhe6vP66jN0C&q=lu+han+graduated+from+them+national&pg=PA483|title=Modern China: A Guide to a Century of Change|author=Graham Hutchings|year=2003|publisher=Harvard University Press|page=483|isbn=0-674-01240-2}}</ref>
|}
|}


===[[Guizhou clique|Guizhou warlords]]===
===Guizhou warlords===
{{main|Guizhou clique}}
[[Guizhou]] Province was dominated by a series of successive autonomous warlords.
[[Guizhou]] Province was dominated by a series of successive autonomous warlords.
{| class="wikitable"
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|}
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===[[Old Guangxi clique]]===
===Old Guangxi clique===
{{main|Old Guangxi clique}}
[[Guangxi]] province announced its independence on November 6, 1911. Originally, the revolutionaries supported the Qing Governor to remain in position. However, he later left the province, and [[Lu Rongting]] succeeded his position.<ref>Lary, Diana. (1974). '''[https://books.google.com/books?id=tCA9AAAAIAAJ&lpg=PP1&pg=PR2#v=onepage&q&f=false Region and nation: the Kwangsi clique in Chinese politics, 1925–1937]'''. London, Cambridge University Press {{ISBN|0521202043}}</ref>
[[Guangxi]] province announced its independence on November 6, 1911. Originally, the revolutionaries supported the Qing Governor to remain in position. However, he later left the province, and [[Lu Rongting]] succeeded his position.<ref>Lary, Diana. (1974). '''[https://books.google.com/books?id=tCA9AAAAIAAJ&pg=PR2 Region and nation: the Kwangsi clique in Chinese politics, 1925–1937]'''. London, Cambridge University Press {{ISBN|0521202043}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
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|}
|}


===[[New Guangxi clique]]===
===New Guangxi clique===
{{main|New Guangxi clique}}
After the [[Guangdong–Guangxi War]], the Old Guangxi clique was no longer effective, and was replaced by the '''New Guangxi clique'''. Supported the Kuomintang's [[Northern Expedition]] but rebelled during the [[Central Plains War]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=O19wAAAAMAAJ The Kwangsi Way in Kuomintang China, 1931–1939]</ref><ref name=Taylor>{{cite book|last1=Taylor|first1=Jay|title=The Generalissimo|date=2009|publisher=Harvard University Press|location=Cambridge|page=[https://archive.org/details/generalissimochi00tayl/page/83 83]-84|isbn=978-0674033382|url=https://archive.org/details/generalissimochi00tayl|url-access=registration}}</ref>
After the [[Guangdong–Guangxi War]], the Old Guangxi clique was no longer effective, and was replaced by the '''New Guangxi clique'''. Supported the Kuomintang's [[Northern Expedition]] but rebelled during the [[Central Plains War]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=O19wAAAAMAAJ The Kwangsi Way in Kuomintang China, 1931–1939]</ref><ref name=Taylor>{{cite book|last1=Taylor|first1=Jay|title=The Generalissimo|date=2009|publisher=Harvard University Press|location=Cambridge|page=[https://archive.org/details/generalissimochi00tayl/page/83 83]-84|isbn=978-0674033382|url=https://archive.org/details/generalissimochi00tayl|url-access=registration}}</ref>


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|}
|}


===[[Guangdong]] warlords===
===Guangdong warlords===
[[Guangdong]] was independent on November 8. The Guangdong Army was in the early 1920s mostly dominated by [[Chen Jiongming]]. In the 1930s, [[Chen Jitang]] was chairman of the government.
[[Guangdong]] was independent on November 8. The Guangdong Army was in the early 1920s mostly dominated by [[Chen Jiongming]]. In the 1930s, [[Chen Jitang]] was chairman of the government.


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龍濟光
龍濟光
|align=center| [[File:Long Jiguang.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:Long Jiguang.jpg|50px]]
|| 1911–1918 || Qing commander, supporter of Yuan Shikai's Empire of China, later affiliated with the Anhui Clique
|| 1911–1918 || Qing commander, supporter of Yuan Shikai's Empire of China, later affiliated with the Anhui Clique. An ethnic [[Hani people|Hani]].
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|| [[Chen Jiongming]]
|| [[Chen Jiongming]]
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|}
|}


===[[Sichuan clique]]===
===Sichuan clique===
{{main|Sichuan clique}}
During the period from 1927 to 1938, [[Sichuan]] was in the hands of multiple warlords. No warlord had enough power to take on all the others at once, so many small battles occurred, pitting one warlord against another.
During the period from 1927 to 1938, [[Sichuan]] was in the hands of multiple warlords. No warlord had enough power to take on all the others at once, so many small battles occurred, pitting one warlord against another.
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===[[Hunan]] warlords===
===Hunan warlords===
Hunan Province was ruled by successive autonomous warlords.
Hunan Province was ruled by successive autonomous warlords.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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|| [[He Long]]
|| [[He Long]]
賀龍
賀龍
|align=center| [[File:He_Long1.jpg|50px]]
|align=center| [[File:He Long1.jpg|50px]]
|| || Began his military career under a Hunan warlord, later joined the Kuomintang and then the Chinese Red Army
|| || Began his military career under a Hunan warlord, later joined the Kuomintang and then the Chinese Red Army
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA
|- bgcolor=#E6E6FA

Latest revision as of 00:00, 14 May 2024

Major Chinese warlord coalitions as of 1925

The Warlord Era was a historical period of the Republic of China that began from 1916 and lasted until the mid-1930s, during which the country was divided and ruled by various military cliques following the death of Yuan Shikai in 1916. Communist revolution broke out in the later part of the warlord period, beginning the Chinese Civil War. The era nominally ended in 1928 at the conclusion of the Northern Expedition with the Northeast Flag Replacement, beginning the "Nanjing decade". However, "residual warlords" continued to exist into the 1930s under de jure Kuomintang rule, and remained until the end of the Communist victory in 1949.[1]

The warlords and military cliques of the Warlord Era are generally divided into the Northern factions and the Southern factions. The following is a list of cliques within each faction, and the dominant warlords within that clique.

Northern factions[edit]

The cliques in the North emerged from the fragmentation of the Beiyang Government/Army. Most of them were generals under Yuan Shikai. After the death of Yuan, they separated and formed cliques in their own sphere of influence.

Anhui Clique[edit]

The Anhui clique was named so because many of its most influential members were from Anhui, including founder Duan Qirui. It had an affiliated political party, the Anfu club, and a financial wing, the New Communications clique, under Deputy Foreign Minister Cao Rulin.

The clique had close ties to Japan, granting concessions in exchange for funding and military training,[2][3] and advocated war against the German Empire as part of the First World War, as well as military suppression of the Kuomintang.

The clique was removed from power after the Zhili–Anhui War and slowly faded from prominence.

Name Years of dominance Notes
Duan Qirui

段祺瑞

1916–1926 Premier: 1913, 1916–18; President: 1924–26: Negotiated the Nishihara Loans with Japan in exchange for Shandong Concession, triggering the May Fourth Movement
Xu Shuzheng

徐樹錚

1916–1920 Duan Qirui's right-hand man; led expedition that reincorporated Outer Mongolia and temporarily brought it back under Chinese control
Duan Zhigui

段芝貴

Minister of War: 1917–1919
Jin Yunpeng

靳雲鵬

Premier: 1919–1921
Wang Yitang

王揖唐

Chairman of the House of Representatives 1918–1920
Lu Yongxiang

盧永祥

Ruler of Zhejiang and Shanghai, his refusal to hand over Shanghai caused the Second Zhili–Fengtian War
Zhang Jingyao

張敬堯

1917–1920 Governor of Hunan noted for his exceptional brutality; assassinated in 1933 after he became involved with the Japanese plot to enthrone Puyi as emperor of Manchukuo
Wu Guangxin

吳光新

1917–1920 Governor of Hunan[4]
Ni Sichong

倪嗣衝

former supporter of Yuan Shikai's Empire; eliminated in the Zhili–Anhui War
Qu Tongfeng[5]

曲同豊

Chen Shufan

陳樹藩

1916–1921
Zheng Shiqi

鄭士琦

1923–1925 Military governor of Shandong (1923–25) and Anhui (1925).[6]
Zhang Huaizhi

張懷芝

1912–1924 Viceroy of Shandong.[7] Former supporter of Yuan Shikai's Empire; eliminated in the Second Zhili–Fengtian War
Wang Yongquan

王永泉

1918–1924 Military Governor of Fujian Province.[8]

Zhili Clique[edit]

Zhili was the name for the area of what is now Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei.

The Zhili clique was formed by officers disgruntled with the Anhui clique and rallied around Feng Guozhang. It was aligned to Western powers.[9]

The clique took power after the Zhili–Anhui War but lost after the Second Zhili–Fengtian War. It was largely wiped out during the Northern Expedition.[10][11]

Name Years of dominance Notes
Feng Guozhang

馮國璋

1916–1919 Served as President 1917–1918. Died in 1919 and was succeeded by Cao Kun
Cao Kun

曹錕

1919–1924 Bribed his way to the presidency and served from 1923 to 1924; arrested and imprisoned during the Beijing Coup by Feng Yuxiang
Wu Peifu

吳佩孚

1919–1927 Military commander and strategist of the Zhili clique credited with the victories that pushed Zhili to power but ultimately failed hold onto power in the Second Zhili–Fengtian War
Sun Chuanfang

孫傳芳

1919–1927 Controlled most of the Lower Yangtze but defeated in the Northern Expedition
Lu Jianzhang

陸建章

supporter of Yuan Shikai's Empire, killed by Fengtian clique in 1918[12][13]
Li Chun[14]

李純

Wang Zhanyuan[14]

王占元

Hubei warlord
Chen Guangyuan[14]

陳光遠

Wang Chengbin

王承斌

Ethnic Manchu
Peng Shoushen

彭壽莘

–1924
Kou Yingjie

寇英傑

–1927
Qi Xieyuan

齊燮元

1920–1924 Inspector-general of Jiangsu, Jiangxi and Anhui Provinces. Later Japanese puppet, executed after the war.[15]

Fengtian clique[edit]

Fengtian is the former name of Liaoning province, and was the political center of Manchuria.

The Fengtian clique controlled most of Manchuria up to the Shanhai Pass and had a close relationship with Japan.[16] Its civilian branch was the Communications Clique, under Premier Liang Shiyi.

It took power in Beijing after the Second Zhili–Fengtian War but could not stop the Kuomintang during the Northern Expedition, and was driven from Manchuria after the Mukden Incident and merged with the Kuomintang.

Name Years of dominance Notes
Zhang Zuolin

張作霖

1916–1928 Leader of the Fengtian Army, ruler of Northeast China; Assassinated by a Japanese military officer for his failure to halt the expansion of the Kuomintang
Zhang Xueliang

張學良

1928–1937 Son and successor to Zhang Zuolin, he eventually reconciled the Fengtian clique with the Kuomintang
Guo Songling

郭松齡

1920–1925 General in the Fengtian Army. Rebelled during the Anti-Fengtian War but was defeated and killed in action
Zhang Zongchang

張宗昌

1925–1928 Ruler of the Shandong province
Zhang Haipeng

張海鵬

Zhang Jinghui

張景惠

Afterwards Prime Minister of Manchukuo
Li Jinglin[17]

李景林

Tang Yulin

湯玉麟

Wan Fulin

萬福麟

Wu Junsheng

吳俊陞

Commander of Fengtian Cavalry
Yang Yuting

楊宇霆

Executed by Zhang Xueliang for his part in the assassination of Zhang Zuolin
Liu Zhennian

劉珍年

"King of East Shandong"; defected to KMT during the Northern Expedition,[18] defeated by Han Fuju
Xu Lanzhou

許蘭洲

1895–1928 originally a Qing general, later served under Zhang Zuolin[19]

Shanxi/Jin Clique[edit]

Formed in the Xinhai Revolution, the Shanxi clique was limited to Shanxi province only.

Jin was the traditional name of Shanxi province. Therefore, the clique is often called the Jin clique as well.

Although affiliated with the Anhui clique, Yan Xishan, leader of the Shanxi Clique, remained neutral until the Northern Expedition, during which he sided with the Kuomintang.

Name Years of dominance Notes
Yan Xishan

閻錫山

1911–1949 Military ruler of Shanxi; Joined the Kuomintang but later rebelled against Chiang Kai-shek in the Central Plains War.[20] Defeated by the Communists in 1949, withdrew to Taiwan
Fu Zuoyi

傅作義

1927–1949 Ruler of Suiyuan; defected to the Communists in 1949
Shang Zhen

商震

Guominjun[edit]

Also known as the Northwestern Army, it was formed from disgruntled Zhili clique officers during the Second Zhili–Fengtian War, through the Beijing Coup.

Although originally sympathetic to the Kuomintang, it rebelled in the 1930 Central Plains War and was defeated.[20] It was aligned to the Soviet Union.[21]

Name Years of dominance Notes
Feng Yuxiang

馮玉祥

1924–1934 Leader of the Northwest, initially Zhili warlord
Yang Hucheng

楊虎城

1918–1936 Shaanxi ruler from 1926, helped kidnap Chiang Kai-shek in the Xi'an Incident.[22]
Sun Yue

孫岳

1924–1928
Liu Zhenhua

劉鎮華

Originally Anhui clique, then defected to the Zhili clique, then Guominjun and finally to the KMT.[23]
Hu Jingyi

胡景翼

1924–1925 Military governor of Henan
Deng Baoshan

鄧寶珊

Subordinate of Hu Jingyi, later Communist governor of Gansu, killed in the Cultural Revolution.
Yue Weijun

岳維峻

Bie Tingfang

別廷芳

Henan warlord; switched to KMT
Sun Dianying

孫殿英

Henan bandit; allied with Feng Yuxiang, Zhang Zongchang[24]
Song Zheyuan

宋哲元

1927–1930 Defected to KMT in 1930, warlord of Chahar Province and Rehe Province
Jing Yuexiu

井岳秀

1913–1936 Northern Shaanxi warlord, cooperated with various other cliques.[25]
Han Fuqu

韓復榘

1930–1938 Chairman of the Shandong Province; Defected to KMT in 1930.[18] arrested and shot after abandoning his province when the Second Sino-Japanese War started.
Shi Yousan

石友三

1912–1940 Chairman of Anhui province, 1929. Known as the "Defector General" for his repeated defections between various warlords, KMT factions, communists and Japan.[26]
Fan Zhongxiu

樊鍾秀

1911–1931 served many different factions successively, killed in the Central Plains War
Ji Hongchang

吉鴻昌

Later joined the Communist Party, executed by the KMT.
Zhang Zhijiang

張之江

Ma clique[edit]

The "Three Mas of the Northwest" or "Xibei San Ma" originated in the Kansu Braves militia formed during the Dungan revolt. All Ma Clique Generals were Hui Chinese Muslim Kuomintang members. The Ma Cliques Fought against the Guominjun during the Central Plains War and attempted to destroy the Xinjiang clique during the Kumul Rebellion but were defeated by Soviet Red Army intervention.[27]

Name Years of dominance Notes
Ma Anliang

馬安良

1912–1918 Ruler of the Gansu province, Outranked all the other Ma Clique generals.
Ma Fuxiang

馬福祥

1912–1928 De facto leader after Ma Anliang;[28] Ruler of Ningxia[29] and Suiyuan[30][31][32][33]
Ma Hongbin

馬鴻賓

1921–1928 brief acting Chairman of Gansu Province and Ningxia Province[34]
Ma Hongkui

馬鴻逵

1923–1949 Army commander then ruler of Ningxia Province from 1932[35]
Ma Zhongying

馬仲英

1929–1934 Chief of the 36th Division and ruler of Gansu and Southern Xinjiang (Tunganistan)
Ma Hushan

馬虎山

1934–1950 Chief of the 36th Division and ruler of Southern Xinjiang (Tunganistan)
Ma Zhancang

馬占倉

served under Ma Zhongying
Zhang Peiyuan

張培元

1929–1934 Han Chinese Commander of Ili, allied with the Ma Clique against the Xinjiang Clique
Ma Qi

馬麒

1915–1931 Ninghai Army ruler of Qinghai province, influential in Gansu province
Ma Lin

馬麟

1931–1938 Ninghai Army ruler of Qinghai province
Ma Bufang

馬步芳

1938–1945 Ninghai Army ruler of Qinghai province
Ma Buqing

馬步青

Ninghai Army

Xinjiang clique[edit]

Under Yang Zengxin, the clique organized the defence against the Soviet encroachment,[36][37] but later closely affiliated with the Soviet Union.

Name Years of dominance Notes
Yang Zengxin

楊增新

1912–1928 Ruler of the Xinjiang province from the Qing era. Always recognized whichever government was dominant.[36]
Ma Fuxing

馬福興

1912–1924 Titai of Kashgar, Military Commander of Southern Xinjiang
Ma Shaowu

馬紹武

1924–1937 Executed Ma Fuxing on Yang Zengxin's orders, then replaced him as Tao-yin of Kashgar, Military Commander of Southern Xinjiang
Jin Shuren

金樹仁

1928–1934 Ruler of the Xinjiang province.
Sheng Shicai

盛世才

1933–1944 Ruler of the Xinjiang province and Soviet puppet

Manchu Restorationists[edit]

In July 1917 a clique of generals and officials were able to conquer and occupy Beijing, temporarily restoring the deposed child emperor Puyi for 12 days.[38]

Name Years of dominance Notes
Zhang Xun

張勳

July 1–12, 1917 Leader of the Manchu restoration, installed himself as Prime Minister of the Imperial Cabinet
Kang Youwei

康有為

July 1–12, 1917 Helped Zhang Xun in the restoration
Jiang Chaozong

江朝宗

July 1–12, 1917

Southern factions[edit]

The military cliques in the South are generally regional revolutionary leaders that took over after the fall of Qing dynasty in Xinhai Revolution.

Kuomintang[edit]

The Nationalist Party of China, derived from the Tongmenghui revolutionary organization, established a rival government of the Beiyang Government in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province in the 1913 Second Revolution and in the 1917 Constitutional Protection War. Its military was called the National Revolutionary Army.

The party nominally reunified China in 1928 after defeating most Northern factions during the KMT's Northern Expedition,[39] governing the country from Nanjing.

Name Years of dominance Notes
Sun Yat-sen

孫中山

1912–1925 Founder of the Republic of China and leader of the Kuomintang
Chiang Kai-shek

蔣介石

1926–1975 Military leader of the Kuomintang and later President of the ROC until his death
He Yingqin

何應欽

1926–1950 Senior General in the Kuomintang
Hu Hanmin

胡漢民

1925–1936 Leader of the right wing faction of the Kuomintang
Liao Zhongkai

廖仲愷

1923–1925 Architect of the First United Front with the Chinese Communist Party
Wang Jingwei

汪精衛

1925–1944 Leader of the left wing faction of the Kuomintang, later Japanese collaborator during World War II
Yu Youren

于右任

1918–1922 Shaanxi revolutionary commander, later headed the Control Yuan.[40]

Chinese Communist Party[edit]

The Chinese Communist Party, formed in 1921 in the aftermath of the May Fourth Movement. Its military arm eventually became the People's Liberation Army.

The party was allied with the Kuomintang during the first phase of the Northern Expedition, but the two sides split following the Shanghai massacre in 1927. The two parties would then fight a decades long civil war, which ended with the Kuomintang retreat to Taiwan and the founding of the People's Republic of China on the mainland.

Name Years of dominance Notes
Chen Duxiu

陳獨秀

1921–1927 Party co-founder and first General Secretary, ousted after the Shanghai Massacre
Li Dazhao

李大釗

1921–1927 Party co-founder, captured and executed by Zhang Zuolin during the Northern Expedition
Zhou Enlai

周恩来

1924–1976 Senior party leader, later Premier of the People's Republic of China
Mao Zedong

毛澤東

1935–1976 Party activist, later party chairman and Chairman of the People's Republic of China

Yunnan clique[edit]

The Yunnan Military Government was established on October 30, 1911, with Cai E elected as the military governor. This marked the beginning of the "Yunnan clique".

Name Years of dominance Notes
Cai E

蔡鍔

1911–1916 Leader of the Yunnan Army
Zhu De

朱德

1911–1920 protege of Cai, later Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese Red Army[41][42]
Tang Jiyao

唐繼堯

1913–1927 Military governor of Yunnan
Hu Ruoyu

胡若愚

1927 Governor of Yunnan
Long Yun

龍雲

1927–1945 Ethnic Yi, Governor of Yunnan
Lu Han

盧漢

1937–1949 Ethnic Yi and cousin of Long Yun, defected to communists in 1949.[43]

Guizhou warlords[edit]

Guizhou Province was dominated by a series of successive autonomous warlords.

Name Years of dominance Notes
Liu Xianshi

劉顯世

–1920 originally a Qing dynasty commander, neutral between the Beiyang and KMT, overthrown by his nephew Wang Wenhua.[44]
Wang Wenhua

王文華

1920–1921 KMT-supporting warlord, assassinated by Yuan Zuming.[45]
Yuan Zuming

袁祖銘

1921–1927 Initial aligned to the Beiyang government, nominally acknowledged the KMT government in 1926, but assassinated a year later.[46]
Wang Jialie

王家烈

1929–1935 Nominally acknowledged KMT rule, deposed by KMT during the pursuit of the Long March.[47]

Old Guangxi clique[edit]

Guangxi province announced its independence on November 6, 1911. Originally, the revolutionaries supported the Qing Governor to remain in position. However, he later left the province, and Lu Rongting succeeded his position.[48]

Name Years of dominance Notes
Cen Chunxuan

岑春煊

1916–1920 Qing dynasty Governor and Military Governor of Guangdong
Lu Rongting

陸榮廷

1912–1922
Chen Binghun

陳炳焜

1916–1921
Shen Hongying

沈鴻英

1923–1925 Military governor of Guangdong (1923–1924)

New Guangxi clique[edit]

After the Guangdong–Guangxi War, the Old Guangxi clique was no longer effective, and was replaced by the New Guangxi clique. Supported the Kuomintang's Northern Expedition but rebelled during the Central Plains War.[49][20]

Name Years of dominance Notes
Li Zongren

李宗仁

1923–1949
Bai Chongxi

白崇禧

1923–1949 Muslim, Head of the Chinese Islamic National Salvation Federation,[50][51] widely considered successor-designate of Chiang.
Huang Shaoxiong

黃紹竑

1923–1949
Xia Wei

夏威

Guangdong warlords[edit]

Guangdong was independent on November 8. The Guangdong Army was in the early 1920s mostly dominated by Chen Jiongming. In the 1930s, Chen Jitang was chairman of the government.

Name Years of dominance Notes
Long Jiguang

龍濟光

1911–1918 Qing commander, supporter of Yuan Shikai's Empire of China, later affiliated with the Anhui Clique. An ethnic Hani.
Chen Jiongming

陳炯明

1911–1924 Initially allied to KMT, defected to Zhili clique in 1922 but defeated by Chiang Kai-Shek
Ye Ju

叶擧

1929–1936 Initially Long Jiguang's deputy, then Chen Jiongming's deputy
Deng Benyin

鄧本殷

Chen Jitang

陳濟棠

1929–1936

Sichuan clique[edit]

During the period from 1927 to 1938, Sichuan was in the hands of multiple warlords. No warlord had enough power to take on all the others at once, so many small battles occurred, pitting one warlord against another.

Name Years of dominance Notes
Yin Changheng

尹昌衡

1912–1913 Tongmenghui revolutionary, founder of the clique[52]
Liu Cunhou

劉存厚

Qing dynasty commander, joined the KMT in 1928.[53]
Xiong Kewu

熊克武

Revolutionary, eliminated in 1925.[54]
Li Jiayu

李家鈺

Luo Zezhou

羅澤洲

Liu Xiang

劉湘

1921–1938
Yang Sen

楊森

Liu Wenhui

劉文輝

later warlord of Xikang Province, defected to the Communist Party[55]
Tian Songyao

田頌堯

Deng Xihou

鄧錫侯

Hunan warlords[edit]

Hunan Province was ruled by successive autonomous warlords.

Name Years of dominance Notes
Tan Yankai

譚延闓

1912–1920 Kuomintang politician
Zhao Hengti

趙恆惕

1920–1926 friendly to the Zhili Clique
Tang Shengzhi

唐生智

1926–1927 Defected to Chiang during the Northern Expedition, rebelled against Chiang during the Central Plains War
Peng Dehuai

彭德懷

subordinate of Tang; later Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese Red Army[56]
He Long

賀龍

Began his military career under a Hunan warlord, later joined the Kuomintang and then the Chinese Red Army
He Jian

何鍵

1927-
Cheng Qian

程潛

KMT commander for Hunan

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External links[edit]