 The cause of the war was the proclamation by Yuan Shikai, the President of the Republic, of himself as the Hongxian Emperor, Emperor of the Empire of China.In Yunnan province military leaders including Tang Jiyao, Cai E and Li Liejun declared their independence and launched military expeditions against Yuan Shikai.Yuan's army experienced several defeats and fractured, which led other provinces in the south to declare independence as well.