Lin Biao

ModernGeneralChina1907 — 1971

Communist military genius who commanded the field armies to victory.

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Quick Facts

Born

1907

Died

1971

Country

China

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)79

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)72

Legacy (20%)52

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)72

Total Score67.0

Lin Biao — Complete Timeline

1937 AD

Commanded the Victory at the Battle of PingxingguanWar

Lin Biao commanded the 115th Division of the Eighth Route Army to victory at the Battle of Pingxingguan. This was the first major Chinese victory over the Japanese in the Second Sino-Japanese War, boosting Communist prestige.

Second Sino-Japanese WarVictoryCommunist Army

Impact: nationalconstructive

1945 AD

Commander of the Fourth Field Army in the Chinese Civil WarWar

Lin Biao commanded the Fourth Field Army, which played a decisive role in the Chinese Civil War. His forces captured Manchuria, then swept south to take Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, securing Communist victory.

Chinese Civil WarMilitary Campaign

Impact: nationaldestructive

1969 AD

Designated as Mao Zedong's SuccessorPolitical Action◆ Major

Lin Biao was officially designated as Mao Zedong's successor in the Communist Party constitution. He was named Vice Chairman and held immense power during the Cultural Revolution.

Cultural RevolutionSuccessionPolitics

Impact: national

1971 AD

Died in a Plane Crash in MongoliaOther

Lin Biao died when his plane crashed in Mongolia after an alleged failed coup attempt against Mao Zedong. His death ended the Lin Biao incident, a major political crisis that led to a purge of his supporters.

DeathCoup AttemptCultural Revolution

Impact: nationaltragic