Yuan Shikai (1859–1916)
Born 1859 CE, died 1916 CE.
Yuan Shikai (traditional Chinese: 袁世凱; simplified Chinese: 袁世凯; pinyin: Yuán Shìkǎi; Wade–Giles: Yüan2 Shih4-k'ai3; 16 September 1859 – 6 June 1916) 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 but was forced to abdicate in March 1916. Born to an affluent Han family in Xiangcheng county, Yuan failed the imperial examinations in his early years and instead joined the Huai Army, with which he was stationed in Joseon (Korea) in 1882. He became the de facto governor of the Qing protectorate after helping thwart the Gapsin Coup. He was recalled to China in 1894 and tasked with training of the New Army the next year, which laid the foundation for his Beiyang Army.
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