Yuan Shikai (1859-1916, Wade-Giles: Yuan Shih-kai) was an important military commander who served in the final years of the Qing Dynasty, later becoming president of the first Chinese republic.
Contents
1 Summary
2 Background
3 A favourite of Cixi
4 Beiyang commander
5 Shikai changes sides
6 Presidency
7 An aspiring emperor
Summary
If the failure of the first Chinese republic can be attributed to one man, it is Yuan Shikai.
Arguably the Qing’s most successful military commander, Shikai’s command of the modernised New Army helped bring about the end of the dynasty. In February 1912, he forced the abdication of Puyi, the last emperor, in return for the presidency of the new republic.
Shikai was no republican or democrat, however. He viewed the presidency as a stepping stone to the imperial throne. As president, his actions sabotaged Chinese republicanism and disempowered democratic institutions before either could consolidate or mature. He also submitted to the demands of Japanese imperialists, ceding control of Manchuria and Shandong.
