Feng Guozhang facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Feng Guozhang
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| Acting President of the Republic of China | |
| In office 6 August 1917 – 10 October 1918 |
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| Preceded by | Li Yuanhong |
| Succeeded by | Xu Shichang |
| Vice President of the Republic of China | |
| In office 7 June 1916 – 1 July 1917 |
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| President | Li Yuanhong |
| Preceded by | Li Yuanhong |
| Succeeded by | Post abolished (Li Zongren in 1948) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 January 1859 Hejian, Hebei, Qing Dynasty |
| Died | 12 December 1919 (aged 60) Beijing, Republic of China |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Political party | Zhili clique |
| Other political affiliations |
Progressive Party |
| Alma mater | Baoding Military Academy |
| Occupation | Military Officer |
| Awards | Order of Rank and Merit Order of the Precious Brilliant Golden Grain Order of Wen-Hu |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Qing Dynasty Republic of ChinaZhili Clique |
| Rank | General officer |
| Battles/wars | Xinhai Revolution Second Revolution National Protection War Manchu Restoration Warlord Era |
Feng Guozhang (born January 7, 1859 – died December 12, 1919) was an important Chinese general and politician. He lived during a time when China was changing from an old empire to a new republic. Feng Guozhang served as both the Vice-President and later the President of the Republic of China. He is also known as one of the main leaders of the Zhili Clique. This was a group of powerful military leaders who fought for control of northern China during a period called the Warlord Era.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Feng Guozhang was born in Hejian, a city in the Hebei province of China. His family used to own a lot of land and property. However, they faced tough times and had to sell their belongings to pay for their sons' schooling. Since Feng was the fourth son, his family could not afford to pay for him to finish his education. Some stories say he even played the violin in theaters to earn money when he was young.
Joining the Military
Because he had few other choices, Feng Guozhang joined the army. At that time, the army was being reformed to create a new, strong force called the Beiyang Army. This army was led by a powerful general named Yuan Shikai. Feng was a very good soldier and caught the attention of a commander. This commander helped him get into the Baoding Military Academy.
At the Baoding Military Academy, Feng made many important friends and allies. These connections would help him a lot later in his career. In 1895, he was sent to Tokyo, Japan, to work as a military representative. There, Yuan Shikai noticed him again and started to prepare him for a leadership role within the Beiyang Army. Even when Yuan Shikai was forced to retire in 1908, Feng managed to stay on good terms with both Yuan and the ruling Manchu nobles.
Role in the Revolution
In October 1911, a major uprising began in China, known as the Wuchang Uprising. The Qing imperial court ordered Feng Guozhang to stop the revolution in Wuhan. Feng waited with the Beiyang Army until Yuan Shikai was back in power. After that, Feng successfully captured Hankou and Hanyang from the revolutionaries during the Battle of Yangxia. He even ordered the destruction of Hankou during this battle.
Following orders from Yuan Shikai, Feng then stopped the army's advance on Wuchang. This allowed Yuan to negotiate with the revolutionaries. Eventually, the Last Emperor gave up his power, and the Republic of China was formed in 1912. Yuan Shikai became its first provisional president. Feng Guozhang joined the new government and was praised for his part in the Xinhai Revolution, even though he had actually helped to stop the uprising at first.
Political Career and Presidency
Feng Guozhang later disagreed with Yuan Shikai when Yuan tried to make himself emperor. Yuan even offered Feng a high title, but Feng refused it. Feng then moved to Nanjing and joined the National Protection War, which was fought against Yuan's attempt to become emperor.
After Yuan Shikai's death, Feng served as Vice President under Li Yuanhong. When another general, Zhang Xun, briefly took over Beijing, Feng became the acting president. He continued in this role when Li Yuanhong officially resigned.
Feng Guozhang became the President of the Republic of China on August 1, 1917. However, some people questioned if his presidency was legal because the National Assembly, which was supposed to approve it, had not met.
On August 14, China joined World War I on the side of the Allies. This happened after it became clear that Germany was supporting Zhang Xun's attempt to take power. Also, Premier Duan Qirui strongly pushed for China to join the war. China sent about 135,000 workers to help the Allies on the battlefields in Europe and other places. They also sent troops to Russia to help the Allies in Russia's civil war.
During this time, Sun Yat-sen set up a different government in Guangzhou in September 1917. He also declared war later that month, hoping to get international recognition, but it did not work. Feng Guozhang wanted to find a peaceful solution to the conflict between the north and south of China. This disagreement led to Premier Duan Qirui resigning. However, due to pressure from another powerful group called the Anhui clique, Feng brought Duan back as premier.
Feng finished the five-year presidential term that Yuan Shikai had started in 1913. His term ended on October 10, 1918. He passed away in Beijing from an illness on December 12, 1919.
Feng Guozhang was given a state funeral and was buried in his home county of Hejian in Hebei. Many years later, his tomb was disturbed during the Cultural Revolution.
Family
Feng Guozhang had several descendants who have achieved success in different fields:
- 馮高鳴; Edward Feng: He is a trainer for traditional Chinese medicine. He is Feng Chi-Shan's first son and Feng Guozhang's grandson.
- 馮道復; Peter Feng: He is a politics professor. He is Edward Feng's son, Feng Chi-Shan's first grandson, and Feng Guozhang's great-grandson.
- 馮道行; Dao-Shing Feng: He works as an IT engineer. He is Edward Feng's son, Feng Chi-Shan's grandson, and Feng Guozhang's great-grandson.
- 馮道芬; Karena Apple Feng: She is a political consultant. She is Edward Feng's daughter, Feng Chi-Shan's first granddaughter, and Feng Guozhang's great-granddaughter.
See also
In Spanish: Feng Guozhang para niños
- List of Warlords
- Warlord Era
- Zhili Clique
- History of the Republic of China
