The Fengtian clique was the faction that supported warlord Zhang Zuolin during China's Warlord Era. It took its name from Fengtian Province, which served as its original base of support. However, the clique quickly came to control all of the Three Northeastern Provinces. The clique received support from Japan in exchange for protecting Japanese military and economic interests in Manchuria. The Fengtian Army frequently intervened in many of the conflicts of the Warlord Era.
Zhao Erxun, Viceroy (1911) and Governor (1912) of Fengtian
A portrait of Zhang Zuolin
A group photo of commanders of the Zhili–Fengtian united army, victors of the Zhili–Anhui war. From right to left, on the first row: Hua Shucheng, Zhu Yuxi, Zhang Zongchang, Yang Qingchen
Fengtian soldiers wearing ushankas
Zhang Zuolin was a Chinese warlord who ruled Manchuria from 1916 to 1928. He led the Fengtian clique, one of the most important factions during China's Warlord Era. During the last year of his life, he briefly installed himself as President of the Republic of China.
Zhang in military regalia
The young Zhang Zuolin (centre), in the early 1910s
Zhang Zuolin, ruler of Manchuria and Chinese warlord.
Chinese FT