In the wake of the collapse of the Qing Dynasty, regional leaders across China grew increasingly dissatisfied with the central Beiyang government led by Yuan Shikai. On July 12, 1913, Li Liejun, a prominent military leader and warlord, declared the province of Jiangxi independent from the Republic of China, triggering the Second Revolution. This declaration was a culmination of mounting tensions between local military factions and the Beiyang regime, which was perceived as authoritarian and unrepresentative of regional interests.

Li's announcement took place amidst a backdrop of political unrest and fragmentation within China, where various warlords controlled different regions. The Beiyang government had faced growing opposition from various military and political leaders who felt that their local resources were being exploited by the central authorities. Li's proclamation not only appealed to radical elements within Jiangxi but also rallied other warlords to reconsider their allegiance to Yuan Shikai's regime, leading to widespread conflict and chaos throughout the country.

Li mobilized troops and initiated military action to solidify Jiangxi's independence, which resulted in a series of skirmishes against Beiyang forces. The failure of the central government to quell this uprising marked a significant challenge to Yuan's authority and highlighted the inability of the nascent Republic to maintain unity amidst regionalism. The Second Revolution would eventually catalyze further fragmentation of the political landscape and lead to the Warlord Era in China.