From 1916 to 1927, China would be controlled by a number of Warlords, each competing for territory.
"Warlords often fought against each other or formed alliances. Thus the ordinary citizen was fearful of their armies which could loot, kills or conscript the villagers. Such uncertainty encouraged the growth of secret societies, which, in turn, later encouraged peasant support of the Communists.
Some warlords remained powerful until the Communist Victory in 1949, but after 1928 their continued existence depended on their cooperation with the Nationalist Government." (Sowdon, 2009)
First United Front
As part of the Sun-Joffe pact, the Russian Comintern gave financial and military aid to the Nationalists (GMD) in the South. In 1923, they successfully recaptured Guangzhou and established it as the centre of the new Chinese Republic. Chiang Kai-shek, a young military leader, was sent to Russia to be educated about their military. On his return, the Huangpu Military Academy was established, forming a well trained and disciplined military branch of the GMD. As part of the Sun-Joffe pact, the Communists (CCP) were accepted as members of the GMD and an alliance was formed, the First United Front. Although quite small at first, the Communists gained a lot of experience by working alongside the GMD. The Communists continued to grow in size and membership as a result of industrial disputed in large cities such as Shanghai. By 1927, they numbered around 50,000 members, with many more activists and supporters around the country. In April 1925, Sun dies as a result of liver disease. In a series of political manoeuvres, Chiang positioned himself in a position of power of the party. His distrust of the Communists was not secret...
Key Events
1 Jan 1912: Sun proclaimed President of the Republic of China
10 March 1912: Yuan Shikai given presidency
25 Aug 1912: GMD formed
4 Nov 1913: GMD banned by Yuan
1915: Beginning of New Culture Movement
7 May 1915: Yuan accepts Japan's 21 Demands; leading to Day of Shame Protests
1 Jan - 12 Mar 1916: Yuan assumes title of Grand Constitutional Emperor
6 June 1916: Yuan dies
1917: Beginning of Warlord Era
4 May 1919: Signing of Treaty of Versailles, triggers May Fourth Movement
July 1921: First Congress of the CCP in Shanghai
1917 & 1921: Sun attempts to re-establish government in Guangzhou