ABSTRACT
The Wuchang uprising set off a chain of revolts in the cities and provinces south of the Yangtse valley. By the end of October 1911, some two-thirds of the whole of China had passed over to the revolutionaries and declared independence. Confronted with this danger, the dynasty took two measures. Firstly, on 22 October, it hastily reconvened the National Assembly which had been adjourned since the spring of 1911. Secondly, it tried to recall Yuan Shih-kai 1 to office. 2
