Anti-foreign riots during the NRA's capture of Nanjing prompted Allied naval bombardment and shaped foreign policy toward Nationalist China.
Key Facts
- Date
- 24 March 1927
- Dutch forces landed
- approximately 140 personnel
- Navies involved
- Royal Navy and United States Navy
- Context
- Northern Expedition capture of Nanjing
- Perpetrators
- Nationalist and Communist soldiers within the NRA
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Kuomintang's Northern Expedition, the National Revolutionary Army advanced on Nanjing. Nationalist and Communist soldiers within NRA ranks turned against the foreign community, engaging in rioting and looting of foreign-owned property as the city fell.
On 24 March 1927, NRA soldiers attacked foreign residents and property in Nanjing. Allied warships of the Royal Navy and US Navy bombarded the city to protect foreigners, and marines and sailors—including around 140 Dutch forces—were landed to conduct rescue operations.
The incident heightened tensions between Western powers and the Kuomintang government, prompted diplomatic confrontations over responsibility, and influenced the subsequent purge of Communists from the NRA as Nationalist leaders sought to reassure foreign governments.
Political Outcome
Allied naval bombardment repelled rioters and protected foreign residents; diplomatic pressure followed, contributing to Nationalist-Communist tensions within the NRA.
Warlord control of Nanjing
Kuomintang / National Revolutionary Army control of Nanjing