The Memoirs of Li Zongren (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Li Zongren (narrated), Tang Degang et al. (compiled)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1995-12-01
Features: Li Zongren (1890813—1969130), styled Delin. He was a First-Class General of the National Revolutionary Army of China, the leader of the Gui clique within the Kuomintang, and served as Vice President and Acting President of the Republic of China. Li Zongren had a military background in his early years. As a capable military figure, he joined Sun Yat-sen's camp in Guangzhou. Later, he cooperated with Bai Chongxi and Huang Shaohong to unify Guangxi, making it a part of the Kuomintang's rear area. During the Northern Expedition, he led the Guangxi army from Hunan to Shanhaiguan. After the Northern Expedition, for ten years, he repeatedly initiated and participated in the civil wars within the Kuomintang but also diligently managed his Guangxi territory. During the War of Resistance Against Japan, he mobilized Guangxi troops to fight against Japan and commanded multiple major battles, gaining fame for his victory at Tai'erzhuang. In 1948, the Kuomintang held a constitutional election, and he was elected Vice President. After Chiang Kai-shek resigned, he once served as Acting President, attempting to save the Kuomintang's rule through negotiations but failing. Later, he fled to the United States but ultimately "returned to the roots of the falling leaves," returning to mainland China and dying in Beijing. The above resume is sufficient to demonstrate that Li Zongren was a rather important figure in modern Chinese history. To understand and study the formation and evolution of the Gui clique warlords in modern China, the complex factional struggles within the Kuomintang, or even many important domestic and foreign policies of modern China, Li Zongren represents an indispensable aspect.