History Lecture Series · Yuan Shikai, the Man Behind the Throne

Author: Zhang Yan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: Experts review historical figures, authoritatively interpreting the mysteries of history. Historian Lucien Febvre of France once said: "Our task is to create history, because in a turbulent world, only history can help us face life without fear." This is even more true in today's fast-paced era, where more and more people hope to understand our past to better focus on our future. The purpose of the "Great History Lecture" series is precisely this—to present the past in a simple way to readers, incorporating history into rational thinking and humanistic reflection. Thus, history is no longer just about the past; it also helps us pay attention to the future. He admired Western civilization but had ten concubines; he advocated educational reform but believed in the moral power of Confucianism in controlling the populace; he vigorously promoted a constitutional monarchy but betrayed the Hundred Days' Reform; he held the power of the President but was obsessed with the throne of an emperor; he signed the "Twenty-One Demands" but promoted domestic goods and implemented "nationalism"; he betrayed the Republic but promoted capitalist industry, commerce, and education.
Yuan Shikai's life epitomizes the dramatic changes and conflicts of modern Chinese history—East and West, new and old, strong and weak, conservative and progressive, feudal and democratic, virtues and faults, right and wrong. This book uses extensive and rich historical materials to present a balanced and objective perspective, unraveling the truth and separating fact from fiction, to reveal the true image of Yuan Shikai. A remarkable Yuan Shikai, who rose to power by appealing to public opinion but ultimately fell because he (fabricated public opinion).—Li Daqiao
When evaluating political figures, it is better to focus on their institutional preferences and actions rather than their morality, as these are what truly have a profound impact.—Historian Yuan Weishi
Experts review historical figures, authoritatively interpreting the mysteries of history. Historian Lucien Febvre of France once said: "Our task is to create history, because in a turbulent world, only history can help us face life without fear." This is even more true in today's fast-paced era, where more and more people hope to understand our past to better focus on our future. The purpose of the "Great History Lecture" series is precisely this—to present the past in a simple way to readers, incorporating history into rational thinking and humanistic reflection. Thus, history is no longer just about the past; it also helps us pay attention to the future.