Zhang Zuolin was a prominent Chinese warlord during the early 20th century, particularly known for his influence in northeastern China. Born in 1875, he rose to power after the fall of the Qing Dynasty and became the leader of the Fengtian Clique, a military faction that controlled Manchuria. His rule was marked by efforts to modernize the region and establish a strong military presence. Zhang's power peaked in the 1920s, but he faced challenges from rival warlords and the growing influence of the Chinese Nationalist Party. In 1928, he was assassinated in a bombing orchestrated by the Japanese, which significantly impacted China's political landscape and contributed to the rise of Japanese aggression in the region.