Part 11/14:
The decisive clash occurred in mid-July 1920, following the Battle of Beijing, where Duan’s forces failed to secure the capital. The victory of Zhang Zuolin's forces marked a significant shift in regional strength, while Duan was forced to resign and seek refuge in Japan. The war exposed the instability of the era, with fragmented control over provincial territories and shifting alliances.
The Fragmented Political Landscape and the Road Ahead
After the defeat of Duan’s forces, China remained divided into zones controlled by regional warlords—each vowing to carve out their own domain. The Xili (Zhejiang) and Fengtian Cliques emerged as the most powerful groups, forming a de facto multi-party system with no central authority.