Empire of China (1915–1916)

Quick Facts: Who was Empire of China (1915–1916)?

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Empire of China (1915–1916)

Known for:

A brief, failed attempt by Yuan Shikai to restore the monarchy in China (1915-1916).

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Origins & Early Life

The Empire of China, also known in historiography as the Hongxian regime (Chinese: 洪憲帝制; pinyin: Hǒngxiàn dìzhì; Wade–Giles: Hung3-hsien4 ti4-ch’ih4) in certain contexts, was a short-lived attempt by Chinese president Yuan Shikai from late 1915 to early 1916 to reinstate the monarchy in China, with himself as emperor. The attempt ultimately failed, set back the republican cause by several years, and led China into a period of fracture and conflict among various local warlords. In response to Japan's "Twenty-One Demands", China signed the "Treaty Concerning Southern Manchuria and Eastern Inner Mongolia" and the "Treaty Concerning Shandong" after more than three months of negotiations. In June 1915, the treaty texts were exchanged. Later, there was a sudden rumor in Japanese newspapers that Yuan Shikai intended to proclaim himself emperor.

Career & Major Achievements

Although Yuan Shikai strongly denied it, the statement that "republicanism is not suitable for China's national conditions" gradually spread in society. On July 6, Yuan Shikai appointed 10 people including Yang Du and Liang Qichao as members of the Constitution Drafting Committee to draft a new constitution again, which was expected to be completed in November of that year. If China uses a monarchy, it is more suitable than a republic, and there is almost no doubt about this."On 19 August 1915, Yang Du joined forces with Sun Yujun, Li Xiehe, Hu Ying, Liu Shipei and Yan Fu to establish a preparatory committee, stating that "Republicanism does not apply to China." More and more "petition groups" wrote petitions demanding a change in the state system. There were also some voices of opposition. For example, Liang Qichao, leader of the Progressive Party and former justice minister, published "The So-Called Issues with the State System" in the monthly "Greater China" magazine, insisting on his consistent opposition to the change of the state system.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

However, the Preparatory Committee published a large number of articles supporting the implementation of a constitutional monarchy. Yang Du believed that the country must be "fixed as one" (under unified leadership) in order to be stable. He argued that only in a stable environment can the country establish a constitution and gradually become stronger and stronger. He put forward two arguments to prove that only the implementation of constitutional monarchy can save China: First, Chinese people had a low level of education, and it is difficult for a republic to establish a constitution. Only a monarch can establish a constitution.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1915: 1915 Milestone — The Empire of China, also known in historiography as the Hongxian regime (Chinese: 洪憲帝制; pinyin: Hǒngxiàn dìzhì; Wade–Giles: Hung3-hsien4 ti4-ch’ih4) in certain contexts, was a short-lived attempt by Chinese president Yuan Shikai from late 1915 to early 1916 to reinstate the monarchy in China, with himself as emperor.

Notable Quotes by Empire of China (1915–1916)

“If China uses a monarchy, it is more suitable than a republic, and there is almost no doubt about this.” (1915)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Empire of China (1915–1916)

True or False: “The restoration of the monarchy under Yuan Shikai was immediately successful and led to long-term stability in China.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The attempt ultimately failed, setting back the republican cause by several years and leading China into a period of fracture among local warlords.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. A. K. Niazi — Historical peer (Born in 1915) (1915): Pakistani general who commanded Eastern Command during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
• Abba Eban — Historical peer (Born in 1915) (1915): Israeli diplomat, politician, and scholar of Arabic and Hebrew languages.
• Adriana Caselotti — Historical peer (Born in 1916) (1916): American actress and singer, famed for voicing Snow White in the first Disney feature.
• Ahmed Ben Bella — Historical peer (Born in 1916) (1916): Algerian revolutionary and politician who served as the first President of Algeria.

Frequently Asked Questions about Empire of China (1915–1916)