The Revolution; 1911. In 1911 the Chinese rebelled against Manchu rule and elected Sun Yat-sen to be the head of a provisional government. In February 1912; the Emperor formally abdicated and a republican form of government was inaugurated. Sun Yat-sen resigned his office in favour of Yuan Shih-k'ai; who became the first President of the Republic. The illustration shows a party of Chinese with special permits leaving Nanking in November 1911; under the supervision of the Captain of the Gate. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson; c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.