Total War

After decades of weakening rule, rebellions and attempted revolutions, the Qing dynasty was finally toppled, ending thousands of years of Imperial rule and relative stability. In its place the new Republic of China was established. Four short, turbulent years later the new leader dies and the republic descends in to utter chaos as multiple military governors across the country struggle for power. This period is known as the Warlord Era.

The Kuomintang (Nationalists) and Communists band together as the strongest factions and try and establish order. They end up fighting one another so now you have warlords and Civil War.

Japan invades, the Nationalists, Communists and Warlords agree to unite and resist Japan.

WW2 ends, Civil War breaks out once again between the Nationalists and the Communists. Commies win and Communist China is born.

Basically, China was one bump away from falling to pieces.

/r/HistoryMemes Thread Parent Link - i.redd.it