Yuan Shikai

Chinese military and government official (1859–1916)

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Lived 1859–1916, aged 57

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57 languages
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Era
1859–1916
Aged 57

Summary

Updated 2026-05-29

Military strongman who toppled the Qing Dynasty and became the Republic of China's first formal president—then spectacularly crowned himself emperor in 1915, only to abdicate fourteen months later.

Biography

About

Yuan Shikai was a Chinese general and statesman. As leader of the Beiyang Army, he played a decisive role in securing the abdication of the Qing court. He served as the second provisional president and the first formal president of the Republic of China, with his administration known as the Beiyang government. He declared himself Emperor of the Chinese Empire in December 1915 and abdicated in March 1916.

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