Ahmed Izzet Pasha vs Zhang Xueliang

Ahmed Izzet Pasha was appointed Grand Vizier by Sultan Mehmed VI in October 1918. He was tasked with negotiating an end to World War I after the collapse of the CUP government.

Ahmed Izzet Pasha authorized the signing of the Armistice of Mudros on October 30, 1918, ending Ottoman participation in World War I. The armistice imposed harsh terms including the occupation of the Straits and the right to occupy any territory in case of disorder.

Ahmed Izzet Pasha resigned as Grand Vizier after only a few weeks in office. His resignation was forced by the Sultan and the Allies who demanded a more compliant government to implement the armistice terms.

Ahmed Izzet Pasha served as Minister of War in the government of Damat Ferid Pasha. He attempted to reform the Ottoman army but was hampered by Allied occupation and the rise of the Turkish National Movement.

Zhang Xueliang inherited command of the Fengtian Army after his father Zhang Zuolin was assassinated by the Japanese. He became the Young Marshal and controlled Manchuria, one of China's most strategic regions.

Zhang Xueliang declared allegiance to the Nationalist government by replacing the Fengtian flag with the Kuomintang flag in Manchuria. This act nominally unified China under Chiang Kai-shek's rule and ended the warlord era in the northeast.

Zhang Xueliang's forces withdrew from Manchuria following the Mukden Incident, allowing Japan to occupy the region. His decision not to resist led to the establishment of Manchukuo and widespread criticism of his leadership.

Zhang Xueliang kidnapped Chiang Kai-shek in Xi'an to force him to form a united front against Japan. The incident ended with Chiang's release and the establishment of the Second United Front between the KMT and CCP.

After the Xi'an Incident, Zhang Xueliang was placed under house arrest by Chiang Kai-shek. He remained in captivity for over 50 years, first in mainland China and later in Taiwan, until his release in 1990.