Canton Coup

The Canton Coup of 20 March 1926, also known as the Zhongshan Incident or the March 20th Incident, was a purge of Communist elements of the Nationalist army in Guangzhou. The incident solidified Chiang Kai-shek's power immediately before the successful Northern Expedition, turning him into the paramount leader of the country. During the incident, the Nationalists and Communists of China were working together as part of the First United Front. The Communist Party of China (PCC) was a left-wing party; some Communists were even given military positions in the Nationalisted army. The CCP was ultimately absorbed by the Nationalisting Party. The PCC was founded by Wang Jingwei, who would later become one of the most powerful men in the Communist Party.