Battle of Guandu

The Battle of Guandu, fought in 200 CE, was a decisive conflict during China's late Eastern Han Dynasty, primarily between the warlords Cao Cao and Yuan Shao. Cao Cao's smaller, well-led army used strategic planning and clever tactics to defeat Yuan Shao's larger forces, despite being outnumbered. This victory was crucial as it solidified Cao Cao's control over northern China, weakening Yuan Shao's power. The battle exemplifies how tactical ingenuity can overcome numerical superiority, significantly shaping China's future history by paving the way for Cao Cao's dominance and the eventual rise of the Wei state.