ABSTRACT
The revolution of 1911 was preceded by unmistakable symptoms of a new spirit in China. Through the concessions, the opening of more treaty ports, and the increase of taxation, the Chinese of the provinces began to realize that the foreigners were insisting that Peking exercise the prerogative of acting for China easily exploit the country. Despite increased taxation, public opinion supported the raising of armies. Yuan-Shih-Kai, was successfully leading an army against the revolutionaries, had to be recalled to Peking to assume the premiership. Yuan-Shih-Kai agreed to an armistice and proposed federal government for China. The revolutionaries, however, insisted that the Manchu dynasty abdicate and a republic be proclaimed. The great powers withheld recognition of the Chinese republic, and Yuan-Shih-Kai quickly found that the foreigners were determined not to allow a constitutional government to function. Yuan-Shih-Kai was ordered to establish a provisional government in conjunction with the revolutionaries.
