对晚清政坛上的袁世凯仅用善于投击和个人野心来评价是不够的，他也有过促使历史进步的趋向。他在任直隶总督和北洋大臣期间，率先在直隶省推行了较完整的振兴经济措施。创办的一些实力较强的近代计。企业，萌生有明显的资本主义倾向。创办了北洋新军。在维护资产阶级和民族权益方面有过不懈努力。推行地方自治，进行了中国有史以来第一次普选。奏请清政府派五大臣出国考察。参加立宪和官制改革的筹划工作。向责任内阁制发起进攻。武昌起义一爆发，袁东山又起，重点掏挖清政府内部行政权力，内外夹击，使清帝不足四月即告退位。袁世凯在这一时期有观望、保守乃至反动的一面，但也有追随进步与变革的一面。 It is not enough to evaluate Yuan Shih-k’ang in the political arena of the late Qing Dynasty solely on the basis of good investment and personal ambition. He also had the tendency to make history advance. During his tenure as Governor of Zhili and Minister of the Northern Ocean, he took the lead in implementing a more complete economic rejuvenation measure in Zhili Province. The founder of some of the more powerful modern meter. Business, initiation has obvious tendency of capitalism. Founded the Northern New Army. In the maintenance of the bourgeoisie and national rights and have made unremitting efforts. The implementation of local autonomy conducted its first general election in history. Wanted the Qing government sent five ministers to study abroad. Participate in the planning of constitutional and official reforms. Attack the responsible cabinet system. An outbreak of Wuchang Uprising, Yuan Dongshan again, focusing on digging Qing government internal administrative power, both inside and outside the attack, so that less than four clear imperial imperialism will be abdicated. Yuan Shikai has a wait-and-see, conservative and even reactionary side during this period, but he also follows the progress and the change side.