In his early years, as a first-level general, Bai Chongxi (Pai Chung-hsi) fought in the Campaign to Defend the Republic. In 1922, Li Zongren (Li Tsung-jen) unified Guangxi, and returned to the Kuomintang government. Bai performed heroically in the Northern Expedition. After the Lugou Bridge Incident the general called for unity to deal with the crisis the nation was facing, making many contributions. After the War, he served as Minister of Defense, member of the National Assembly and other important positions.