Born: 31 October 1887 · Died: 5 April 1975 · Age at death: 87
How old was Chiang Kai-shek when he died?
Chiang Kai-shek died aged 87. He was born on 31 October 1887 and died on 5 April 1975.
Nationalist leader who ruled the Republic of China, fought Japan and the Communists, and retreated to Taiwan in 1949
Did you know?After his forces were defeated on the mainland, he moved his government to Taiwan and remained its president until his death.
Quick facts
Date of birth31 October 1887
Date of death5 April 1975
Age at death87
Cause of deathLiver cancer
NationalityChinese
BirthplaceXikou, People's Republic of China
Occupationpolitician, military personnel
Editor's Take:
Chiang Kai-shek led China's Nationalist government for more than two decades. A military officer, he rose as a protégé of Sun Yat-sen. In 1927 he turned on his communist allies, starting a long civil war. He led China through the brutal war against Japan. After defeat by Mao's communists in 1949, he retreated to Taiwan. There he ruled under martial law until his death. His legacy remains bitterly debated.
Key Milestones
1924: Whampoa Academy – commandant
1928: Northern Expedition – China unified
1937: War with Japan – begins
1943: Cairo Conference with Roosevelt and Churchill
Chiang Kai-shek (31 October 1887 – 5 April 1975) was a Chinese military commander, revolutionary, and statesman who was President of the Republic of China from 1948 to 1975 and the head of the Nationalist government from 1925 to 1948.
