What was the primary objective of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) when they joined forces with the Nationalists?

The primary objective of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in aligning with the Nationalists was indeed to fight against warlords. During the early 20th century, China was fragmented and plagued by the rule of various warlords who controlled different regions, undermining national unity and stability. By collaborating with the Nationalists, the CCP aimed to unify China against these warlord factions and to strengthen the central government.

This collaboration was rooted in the understanding that a unified effort was essential to address the challenges posed by warlords and to push for national reform. The joint effort, known as the First United Front, allowed both parties to leverage their resources and mobilize popular support for a common cause, which was crucial in the context of the political disarray in China at that time.

While other options present important topics in the broader scope of Chinese political history, they do not capture the immediate and specific reasons for the CCP's alliance with the Nationalists during that period. The objective of establishing a democratic government or promoting capitalism was not a priority in their alliance, and seeking international support for communism was not the immediate goal of this particular partnership. Their collaboration was focused on defeating a common enemy—the warlords—making it a significant strategic decision in Chinese history