Yüan Shih-k'ai (1859-1916), an outstanding Chinese military leader, held the balance of power when the Revolution of 1911 broke out and used it to secure the presidency. He became increasingly dictatorial but failed to establish himself as emperor of a new dynasty.

Yüan Shih-k'ai came from a family of Honan officials who had gained prominence in fighting the Nien rebels during the 1850s and 1860s. Though educated in the classics, he preferred the strenuous life. Having failed twice to obtain the chü-jen degree (the second level of the traditional examination system), he purchased a title and used family connections to acquire a post with a maritime defense unit in Shantung Province.

Sino-Japanese War

Yüan's opportunity to prove his abilities came as a result of the Sino-Japanese rivalry in Korea. In 1882, when an uprising provided Japan with an opportunity to consolidate its...