Shikai (jan 27, 1912 – jan 27, 1916)

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1912: Mar 10 China has its first parliament. Sun Yat-sen, a revolutionary since 1895, is selected as China's provisional president. He is replaced by Yuan Shikai, a Chinese (rather than Manchu) general with an army who has been ruling in the populous northeast. Sun describes Yuan Shikai as "the right man."

1914 Jan 10 In China, President Yuan Shikai shuts down parliament. China's socialist party is banned. A new constitution is created that gives Yuan Shikai dictatorial powers. Yuan fortifies press censorship and his agents search for dissenters. Sun Yat-sen flees to Japan and tries to sell the Japanese on arming and assisting the Guomindang forces against Yuan.

1915 May 25 China's dictator-president, Yuan Shikai, signs an agreement with Japan. Indignation sweeps through China. Yuan seeks support from his fellow Chinese by appealing to tradition. He makes himself an emperor.

1916 Dec 22 Yuan Shikai dies. China's military governors (warlords) are now more free of central authority.

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