Zhang Zuo

Zhang Zuo (simplified Chinese: 张作; traditional Chinese: 張作; pinyin: Zhāng Zuò) (c. 1867 – June 4, 1928), also known as Zhang Zuolin, was a Chinese warlord and military strongman who dominated Manchuria and parts of North China from 1916 to 1928. He is often referred to as the "Old Marshal" (老帥; Lǎo Shuài).

Zhang began his career as a bandit, later joining the Imperial Army during the Russo-Japanese War. Following the Xinhai Revolution in 1911, he gradually consolidated his power in Manchuria, becoming its military governor. During the Warlord Era, he expanded his influence, often allying and breaking alliances with various factions. He established the Fengtian Clique, which controlled Manchuria and eventually parts of North China, including Beijing.

Zhang Zuolin's rule was characterized by a mix of modernizing efforts in Manchuria, such as industrial development and infrastructure improvements, and authoritarian governance. He sought to maintain Manchuria's semi-independent status, often balancing relations with Japan and other foreign powers.

In 1928, as the Northern Expedition, led by Chiang Kai-shek and the Kuomintang, advanced towards Beijing, Zhang retreated to Manchuria. He was assassinated by Japanese Kwantung Army officers in the Huanggutun Incident, a bomb attack on his train near Mukden (present-day Shenyang). His son, Zhang Xueliang, succeeded him as the leader of the Fengtian Clique.