Eighth Route Army

The Eighth Route Army was a major military force of the Chinese Communist Party during the Chinese Civil War and the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945). Formed in 1937 after the Second United Front was established, it primarily fought against Japanese invaders and later against Nationalist forces. The army was known for its guerrilla tactics, mobility, and efforts to gain the support of local populations. It played a crucial role in resisting Japan’s invasion and laid the groundwork for the Communist Party’s rise to power, ultimately becoming the core of the People's Liberation Army after 1949.