The Chinese General Who Became Emperor for 83 Days

Added: 2026-05-19

[00:00:00]The man who destroyed China's monarchy was destroyed by trying to restore it.

[00:00:03]It's 1912, Beijing, China. General Yuan Shikai helps overthrow 2,000 years of imperial rule and becomes the Republic's first president. He commands the most powerful army in China and promises democracy to millions. Western nations recognize his government and for 3 years he builds the new Republic. But in 1915 he secretly plans his own coronation as emperor. He announces the restoration of the monarchy he had destroyed.

[00:00:28]Rebellions explode across China as former allies turn against him. The stress kills him within months of his coronation. The president who became emperor was Yuan Shikai.