Li Yuanhong
Li Yuanhong (1864 - 1928) was a Chinese general and political figure during the Qing dynasty and the republican era. He was twice president of the Republic of China.
When the Xinhai Revolution of 1911 broke out, the Wuchang mutineers needed a visible high-ranking officer to be their figurehead. Li was well respected, had supported the Railway Protection Movement, and knew English which would be useful in dealing with foreign concerns.
He was reportedly dragged from hiding under his wife's bed and forced at gunpoint to be the provisional military governor of Hubei. Though reluctant at first, he embraced the revolution after its growing momentum and was named military governor of China on November 30, 1911.
