Chiang Chung-cheng, also known as Chiang Kai-shek, was a political and military leader in 20th-century China. He was a key figure in the Kuomintang, or the Chinese Nationalist Party, and served as the leader of the Republic of China from 1928 until his death in 1975. Chiang was known for his authoritarian rule and his role in China's struggle against Japanese aggression during World War II. Throughout his life, he was referred to by a variety of names and titles, including Generalissimo, Supreme Commander, and Mr. Democracy. His name has also been spelled in a variety of ways, including Jiang Jieshi and Chiang Chieh-shih.