National Protection War

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National Protection War
Date 25 December 1915 – 14 July 1916 Location South and Southwest China Result Republican victory
Belligerents
Empire of China	Republic of China Yunnan clique Guizhou clique Old Guangxi clique
Commanders and leaders
Yuan Shikai Zhang Jingyao Ma Jizeng [zh] Cao Kun Feng Yuxiang Lu Jianzhang	Cai E Tang Jiyao Liang Qichao Li Liejun Lu Rongting Feng Guozhang
Strength
700,000+	200,000+

The National Protection War (simplified Chinese: 护国战争; traditional Chinese: 護國戰爭; pinyin: Hù guó zhànzhēng), also known as the Anti-Monarchy War, was a civil war that took place in China between 1915 and 1916. Following the overthrow of the Qing dynasty three years previously, the Republic of China was established in its place. The war was caused by President Yuan Shikai's proclamation of the Empire of China, with himself as the Hongxian Emperor.

In Yunnan, military leaders, including Tang Jiyao, Cai E and Li Liejun, declared their independence and launched military expeditions against Yuan Shikai. Yuan's Beiyang Army experienced several defeats and fractured, which led other provinces in the south to declare independence as well. Eventually, under immense pressure from the entire nation, Yuan Shikai was forced to abdicate. He resumed his rule as president and died a few months later.