Yuan Shikai and the Significance of his Troop Training at Xiaozhan, Tianjin, 1895–1899

Abstract

China’s humiliating defeat in the Sino-Japanese War in 1895 shocked a number of high-ranking Qing officials into seeking ways to establish a truly modernized army in the Western fashion. Yuan Shikai was named commander in charge of troop training at Xiaozhan, Tianjin. This became known as Xiaozhan Troop Training or Xiaozhan Lianbing 小站练兵. Yuan’s success here created a powerful army, earned him the loyalty of capable generals, and paved the way for his eventual rise to not only military but also political power. The event also marked a significant turning point in modern China’s military history. In recent decades, Chinese historiography on the late nineteenth century has highlighted the positive side of reform movements. Meanwhile, some scholars within China have reevaluated Yuan Shikai and have portrayed him as a forward-looking official, often citing the previously largely neglected Xiaozhan Lianbing as an example. Since the event has generated much scholarly, popular and local interest, the Tianjin municipal government has rebuilt the Xiaozhan site for public exhibition and tourism. This article explores Yuan Shikai’s troop training at Xiaozhan, which has received scant historical interpretation, and its impact upon Yuan’s military and political careers and activities.