The Warlord Era refers to a period in Chinese history from 1916 to 1928, characterized by fragmentation and regional military rule following the fall of the Qing Dynasty. During this time, various military leaders, known as warlords, controlled different regions of China, often engaging in conflicts for power and territory. This era was marked by political instability and social unrest, as the central government struggled to assert authority. The warlords were often former generals of the imperial army or local military leaders who seized control after the death of Yuan Shikai, a key figure in the early Republic of China. The era ended with the rise of the Nationalist Party under Chiang Kai-shek, who sought to unify China and establish a centralized government, leading to the Northern Expedition against the warlords.