Shanghai Coup
Chiang Kai-shek attempted to put an end to growing Communist influence
during the 1926 Northern Expedition, which set out to wrest power from
the remaining warlords. With Chiang as commander-in-chief, NRA forces
took the cities of Wuhan and Nanchang, and prepared to move on Shanghai.
As NRA troops advanced on the city, Shanghai workers were called upon
to strike and take over key installations. Having lured the Communists
out of the woodwork, Chiang let loose a reign of terror against the Communists
and their sympathizers.
With the help of Shanghai's underworld leaders and with financial backing
from Shanghai bankers and foreigners, Chiang armed hundreds of gangsters,
dressed them in Kuomintang uniforms and launched a surprise attack overnight
on the workers' militia. About 5000 Shanghai Communists were killed. Massacres
of Communists and various anti-Chiang factions followed in other Chinese
cities.