Yuan Shikai

Reign: 1915 – 1916
Life: 1859–1916

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 was forced to abdicate in March 1916. Promoted to Viceroy of Zhili in 1902, Yuan expanded the Beiyang Army into the best trained and most effective military force in China.

During Yuan Shikai's reign, Wilhelmina of the Netherlands ruled Netherlands, Wilhelm II ruled Prussia, and Franz Joseph I of Austria ruled Austria.

Want to learn more? Further reading

China: A History by John Keay

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

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