| Yuan Shikai was an important historical figure from the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic of China.His life was full of twists and turns.This article starts with Yuan Shikai's political situation before returning to Beijing to explain in detail the influence of Yuan Shikai on political and military affairs and the attitude of Western powers to Yuan Shikai.It also focuses on the relationship between Yuan Shikai and the Empress Dowager Cixi,the pro-King Qing Wang,the regent Wang Zaifeng,and the Minister of Military Affairs Zhang Zhidong.From the perspective of a wide range of North and Northeast China,to discuss Yuan Shikai's complex political relations,especially in Beijing's central institutions,Yuan's confidants have basically penetrated into various central departments.In the vast areas of North China and Northeast China,Yuan's confidants also hold military defenses in the three provinces of East China,North China,and Beijing.In particular,the Beiyang New Army that he founded was even more loyal to him.The newly appointed regent Wang Zaifeng had to face the threat of family hatred and Yuan Shikai's power and had to take measures to return him to his hometown,the author believes there are two main reasons for Yuan's resignation.First,during the 1898 Reform Movement,Yuan Shikai,considering the interests of self-protection and the protection of the Northern Ocean,took refuge in the Empress Dowager Cixi,objectively leading to the imprisonment of Emperor Guangxu and the failure of the Reform Movement.And Wang Zaifeng was the brother of Emperor Guangxu.This was a family hatred,and it must be avenged.Second,from the perspective of power struggle,Yuan Shikai advocated the cabinet system in the Qing official reform.On the surface,he elected Qing Qin Wang to serve as the Prime Minister's cabinet minister.In fact,he manipulated his real power behind the scenes.This triggered the hatred of the Manchu aristocrats.In order to strengthen the imperial power,they were bound to counter Yuan Shikai.In the above two aspects,Yuan Shikai was eventually sent to Taiwan in early 1909.This paper discusses the history of Yuan's dismissal and coming back.After returning to his hometown,he settled in Changde Village.It will give a brief introduction about the construction pattern of Yangshou Garden,Yuan's family life,children's education,and his poems,and then explore the relationship between Yuan Shikai and the establishment of industry and hometown public welfare undertakings,especially his correspondence in the last three years of the seclusion in Sheung Sang Tsuen.The three year's letter contact to a certain extent shows his life in Sheung Sang Tsuen.From the aspects of his handling of life,family life,social interaction,and dissolving political opponents,Yuan Shikai did not plan to make a comeback after returning his hometown.Taking his own safety into consideration,Yuan did not subject himself to a resurgence in the past three years.But objectively,his approach has earned him extensive social support and political attention.Yuan Shikai was such a hero in a troubled time.After all,he was born unwilling to be lonely.History also gave him such an opportunity.In 1911,Wuchang Uprising broke out and the Qing court was forced to use Yuan Shikai.After the outbreak of the insurrection,Yuan didn't accept the appointment at first.His impression of the outside world was: "Not moving,but also moving".It appears to be a negative response to the imperative orders of the Qing court.The military commander who has rich experience in military affairs knows that it is necessary to cooperate with all factors in order to win the victory.It is necessary to recruit,prepare for disasters,rectify disasters,and unify commands.During the period of the outbreak of the Wuchang Uprising,he actively liaised with the Central Government of the Qing court and local authorities.On the one hand,he had to win the trust of the Qing court;on the other hand,he had to fight against the revolutionary party in Hubei.In past history studies,some scholars believe that Yuan's resurrection is long-planned.This view is flawed and it is also a demonization of Yuan.We cannot impose the speculations on Yuan's motives with historical results,and describe Yuan as a political speculator who has unhealthy motives in everything During this period,Yuan and the Qing court's bargaining on the issue of accepting the appointment was based on the actual physical and political basis of the need for recruiting,planning,selecting generals,relieving disasters,and uniforming military power.The feudal monarchy did not allow the court to possess power not being restrained,which is a political contradiction,and it is also caused by human nature.The direction of the development of history is not driven by one party's forces,but is the result of multiple synergies.Yuan's coming back is no exception.At least during this period of time,Yuan did not take the opportunity to threaten the Qing government.He was essentially still trying to maintain the Qing court's rule.Yuan's return was an extraordinary experience which few people have.And there are two reasons contributing to this,apart from the Wuchang Uprising.The first is external factor.The favorable political situation and social support include Western powers' support for Yuan.The social support for the Yuan mainly stems from the “military power” represented by the Beiyang Group,the “right to disobey” represented by the bourgeois constitutionalists,the “foreign power” represented by Western powers,and the complex and sharp ethnic contradictions of the Man and Han peoples.The second is Yuan's personal talent.Yuan Shikai was a hero in late Qing during which he could go from an obscure second generation of the official to the minister.Not passing the imperial examination he strived to the seat of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Military Affairs of the Qing court.Apart from the opportunities given to him by history,he has excellent personal ability and political performance.These personal capabilities are reflected in Yuan Shikai's desire to make friends,to make a wide affinity in-laws,to dare to take responsibility,and to value his reputation.In terms of achievements,he held responsible duties,operated the Northern New Army,set up industrial industries,paid attention to education,and fight against opium.He objectively promoted the progress of history and earned himself the reputation.The historical factors of opportunities,favorable geographical position and support of the people led Yuan Shikai to make a comeback. |
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