The National Army (Chinese: 國民革命軍, Template:Lang-pinyin), formerly known as the National Revolutionary Army (NRA), was the military force of the Chinese Nationalist Party (Guomindang, GMD). Established on June 16, 1924, the NRA was initially trained by Soviet military advisors to aid in the Guomindang’s efforts to unify China during the later period of the Warlord Era (1916-1927). Following this nominal unification, the National Army played significant roles in various conflicts: the Central Plains War (1929-1930), the Second Sino-Japanese War, and the Chinese Civil War (1927-1936, 1941-1949). After the democratization of the Republic of China in 1947, the National Army was succeeded by the Republic of China Armed Forces, which later became the Republic of China Army in Taiwan.

The Central Army, the successor of the First Army of the NRA, emerged due to Jiang Jieshi’s substantial administrative influence within the National Government’s Central Department during the 1930s. Despite Jiang's authority, political factionalism within the Central Army hindered many military reforms. By 1937, on the eve of the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Central Army comprised 37 divisions with approximately 375,000 to 555,000 soldiers.

Organization

The Huangpu Clique was the most influential military faction within the National Army. It was cultivated by Jiang Jieshi to create a network of loyal officers and soldiers, enhancing his influence over the Guomindang, National Government, and National Army. The Clique's loyalty facilitated Jiang’s implementation of reforms and organization of military campaigns, consolidating his authority. Despite the GMD's defeat in the Civil War, the Huangpu Clique continued to operate in Taiwan until the late 1980s.

Origins and Development

The Huangpu Clique derived its name from the Whampoa Military Academy (Huangpu in Chinese), which was established in 1924 with significant Soviet assistance. Jiang Jieshi, as the academy's first commandant, used it as a training ground for his loyalists. Graduates from the academy formed the core of this faction, which was instrumental in many of Jiang's military campaigns, including the Northern Expedition (1926-1928), which aimed to unify China under the GMD.

Influence and Activities

The influence of the Huangpu Clique extended beyond the battlefield into political spheres. Prominent members like He Yingqin and Chen Cheng held key military and political positions. This network of influence helped Jiang implement his policies with minimal resistance. However, the clique's dominance also led to internal friction within the GMD, as other factions felt marginalized.

The Civil Engineering Clique, established by General Chen Cheng, was another influential faction. Trusted by Jiang Jieshi, Chen Cheng elevated the Eighteenth Army’s status, integrating its members into significant administrative and military roles. By 1937, the Eighteenth Army consisted of ten divisions with 70,000 soldiers, participating in major battles such as Shanghai, Wuhan, and Zaoyi. After the War of Resistance, it reorganized to confront the People’s Liberation Army during the Chinese Civil War, notably achieving victory at Guningtou in 1949.

Formation and Role

The Civil Engineering Clique was not just a military faction but also had significant influence in civil administration and infrastructure projects, reflecting its name. Chen Cheng, an adept military leader and a skilled administrator, used his faction to implement large-scale infrastructure projects which helped bolster the war effort against Japan and later in the civil war against the Communists.

The Miscellaneous Armies referred to forces not directly affiliated with the National Army’s formal factions. These included provincial armies like the Dian, Xikang, and Jinsui Armies. Despite their limited operational capabilities, they supported the Central Army through flexible deployments and support roles. For example, the Sichuan Army contributed over 3,500,000 troops during the Second Sino-Japanese War, and the 60th Army of the Dian Army significantly aided the victory at Taierzhuang.

Provincial Armies and Their Significance

Provincial armies, such as the Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guangxi armies, played critical roles during the warlord era and beyond. These armies often operated semi-independently from the central government, reflecting the fragmented nature of China during this period. Their leaders, often warlords, maintained their own power bases and negotiated terms of cooperation with the central government.

Founded by Li Zongren, Bai Chongxi, and Huang Shaohong, the Xingui Clique retained control over its military and territories in Guangxi after integration into the NRA. Despite occasional resistance to Jiang Jieshi’s authority, they reconciled to combat Japanese aggression. By 1937, the Xingui Clique fielded 100,000-200,000 well-trained soldiers. Following WWII, internal conflicts with the Nanking Government resurfaced, culminating in the Clique's destruction during the Guangxi Campaign in 1949, with remnants fleeing to Taiwan.

Key Figures and Conflicts

Li Zongren and Bai Chongxi were significant military leaders whose influence extended beyond Guangxi. They were known for their military prowess, particularly during the Northern Expedition and the defense against Japanese forces in the Battle of Taierzhuang in 1938. However, their relationship with Jiang Jieshi was fraught with tension, leading to multiple conflicts like the Chiang-Gui War and the Central Plains War.

== Dian Clique of the National Army (滇系军阀)