The Nanchang Uprising was a pivotal moment in the early stages of the Chinese Civil War, setting the stage for the enduring conflict between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Following a period when the KMT and CCP briefly cooperated against warlordism, the relationship soured due to ideological differences and power struggles. In April 1927, the KMT purged its communist allies in Shanghai, instigating a severe crackdown. In response, communist leaders decided to launch an armed rebellion to regain a foothold in southern China and resist KMT repression.

The uprising commenced on August 1, 1927, in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, where a force of approximately 20,000 troops, composed mainly of the CCP and some KMT soldiers, took over the city. Notable figures such as Zhou Enlai and He Long played significant roles in organizing and leading the uprising. The rebels quickly captured key government buildings and military arsenals, signaling a bold challenge to the KMT's authority. However, the uprising faced immediate retaliation, and within weeks, KMT forces launched counterattacks, leading to fierce street fighting.

Despite initial successes, the uprising ultimately faltered. The CCP was not adequately equipped or prepared to sustain prolonged combat against KMT forces, which had superior resources and military organization. After several weeks of fighting, the remaining communist forces were forced to withdraw, and many leaders were either captured or killed. This failure did not, however, extinguish communist resistance in China; rather, it led to the regrouping of communist forces and the eventual establishment of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), with August 1 commemorated annually as the founding day of the PLA.