If you think modern politics gets weird, wait until you meet Zhang Zongchang—the infamous “Dogmeat General” of China’s Warlord Era. Picture this: a warlord so bold, he tried to end a drought by literally blasting cannons into the sky, and when he lost a battle, he made his grand return… in a coffin, waving to the crowd with a cigar in hand. Yes, this actually happened.

Cannons for Rain: When the Sky Wouldn’t Listen

Back in 1927, Shandong province was desperate for rain. Zhang Zongchang, never one for subtlety, first tried the usual prayers at the local Dragon King Temple. When the heavens stayed dry, he decided to take matters into his own hands—by ordering his artillery to fire round after round straight into the clouds. Was he trying to scare the rain out of the sky, or just putting on a show? Either way, it was a spectacle nobody forgot. Eventually, the rain did come, and Zhang even wrote a poem mocking the sky god for finally giving in.

Defeat with Style: The Coffin Parade

Zhang’s flair for the dramatic didn’t stop with weather warfare. After a crushing military defeat, he promised he’d either win or “return home in his coffin.” True to his word, his troops paraded him through the streets in a literal coffin, lid open, as he waved and puffed on a cigar. What could’ve been a moment of shame became pure theater—Zhang turning humiliation into a headline.

What Can History Lovers Learn?

For historians and history geeks, Zhang Zongchang is a case study in how personality can shape history just as much as politics or economics. His antics remind us that the Warlord Era was more than just battles and borders—it was a time of wild characters, unpredictable events, and stories that sound stranger than fiction. If you’re into strategy games, think of Zhang as the ultimate wildcard leader: unpredictable, bold, and always entertaining.

Why Remember the Dogmeat General?

Zhang’s story isn’t just a quirky footnote. It’s a reminder that history is full of larger-than-life figures who break the mold—and sometimes, break the sky with cannon fire. Whether you’re a seasoned historian, a casual history fan, or a gamer who loves a good plot twist, there’s always something new to discover in the past.

Love wild stories like this? Help us keep history weird and wonderful! Subscribe to the HistoryGoneBananas newsletter, follow us on socials, and join a community that celebrates the untold tales of the past. Let’s make history as fun as it really is!