Chiang Kai-Shek

A primary supporter of Sun Yat-Sen, who eventually became dictator and head of the Kuo Min Tang.
AKA
Jiang Zhongzheng
Born
1887
Died
1975
Portrait Year
1927
Portrait Age
40

Chiang Kai-Shek began as a zealous patriot and supporter of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen in establishing China’s first republic. Following Sun’s death in 1925, Chiang slowly took over the young republic by cooperating with the warlords and ingratiating himself with the West. His “Nationalist” government was notorious for its corruption and brutality. His major goal was to destroy the growing Communist movement which had its strength in the peasantry. The Nationalists and Communists fought to the death and the Nationalists were driven out of China in 1949. He was married to Soong Mei-Ling, sister-in-law of Sun Yat Sen.

Region
China
Historical Period
20th century