Yuan shikai, born in September 16th 1859 in Qing Dynasty China. A general and veteran of the first Sino-Japanese War, Yuan was a key figure in overthrowing the last Qing Emperor and becoming president. On December 15th 1915, Yuan basically couped his own government and declared himself the new Emperor of China but was convinced to abdicate after a year. However he remained president until his death in 1916 caused by uremia