Yuan Shikai

Yuan Shikai was a prominent Chinese military and political leader in the early 20th century. He played a key role in ending the Qing Dynasty and became the first President of the Republic of China in 1912. Initially promoting republican ideals, he later declared himself emperor in 1915 in an attempt to restore monarchy, which led to widespread opposition. His rule was marked by efforts to centralize authority amid ongoing political instability, but his ambitions ultimately contributed to the fragmentation and chaos that followed his death in 1916. Yuan's legacy is complex, reflecting both modernization efforts and autocratic tendencies.