[5] After the Boxer Rebellion, many Western powers saw railway investments as part of the consolidation in their spheres of influence over China.

[9] Subsequent fighting around Chengdu prompted the diversion of troops to Sichuan from central China, which later became an important factor in the Wuchang Uprising's success.

These groups, led by Jiang Yiwu (蔣翊武) and Sun Wu (孫武) respectively, worked closely together as commander and chief of staff of the revolutionary efforts in Wuhan.

The decision was made by Jiang Yiwu of the Literary Society to immediately launch the uprising, but the plot was leaked to the Viceroy of Huguang, and he ordered a crackdown of the revolutionaries, arresting and executing several prominent members.

[14] On the evening of 10 October, Wu Zhaolin (吴兆麟) as provisional commander led the revolutionary elements of the New Army staged a mutiny against the Qing garrison in Huguang, capturing the residence of the Viceroy in the process along with securing strategic points in the city after intense fighting.

[15] On 11 October, the mutineers established a military government representing the Hubei province, and persuaded one of the high-ranking officers in the New Army, Li Yuanhong, to be the temporary leader.

[15] The newly established military government were able to confirm that foreign powers would not intervene in the uprising, and they went on to raise the "iron blood 18-star flag" while signaling for the other provinces to follow their suit.

[16] Sun Yat-sen was traveling in the United States speaking to overseas Chinese to appeal for financial support when the uprising took place.

[22] Representatives from the seceding provinces met on 1 January 1912, and declared the founding of the Chinese Republic as Sun was sworn in as the first president.

[23] The new republic then negotiated with Yuan Shikai to pressure the Qing government to surrender, offering the presidency in the process.

On 12 February 1912, Empress Dowager Longyu, on behalf of Aisin Gioro Puyi, the Xuantong emperor, announced the abdication of the Qing throne, marking the end of the dynasty.