Cao Kun

ModernGeneralChina1862 — 1938

Beiyang warlord who notoriously bribed his way to the presidency.

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Quick Facts

Born

1862

Died

1938

Country

China

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)38

Political (20%)31

Influence (20%)51

Legacy (20%)41

Leadership (15%)51

Strategy (15%)42

Total Score43.2

Cao Kun — Complete Timeline

1920 AD

Zhili-Anhui WarWar◆ Major

Cao Kun led the Zhili clique to victory over the Anhui clique in the Zhili-Anhui War. This battle established the Zhili faction as the dominant force in northern China and expanded Cao Kun's political and military power.

Warlord EraWarZhili Clique

Impact: national

1922 AD

First Zhili-Fengtian WarWar◆ Major

Cao Kun's Zhili forces defeated the Fengtian clique under Zhang Zuolin in the First Zhili-Fengtian War. This victory solidified Zhili control over Beijing and the central government.

Warlord EraWarZhili Clique

Impact: national

1923 AD

Presidential Bribery ScandalPolitical Action

Cao Kun bribed members of the National Assembly to elect him President of the Republic of China, spending millions of yuan. This scandal discredited the Republican government and deepened public cynicism toward warlord politics.

Republic of ChinaCorruptionPresidency

Impact: nationaldestructive

1924 AD

Second Zhili-Fengtian WarWar◆ Major

Cao Kun's Zhili clique was defeated by the Fengtian clique in the Second Zhili-Fengtian War. The loss led to his overthrow and house arrest, ending his political career and the Zhili dominance.

Warlord EraWarDefeat

Impact: nationaltragic