The Self Strengthening Reforms of 1902-11

What was the purpose of the self strengthening reforms?

To learn from foreigners in order to exploit China’s resources for the benefit of its own people

• in particular, they wanted to copy foreign applications of science and technology

How was abolishing foot binding intended to strengthen China?

It made it easier for women to be economically productive as they can move properly.

How was abolishing foot binding intended to strengthen Cixi’s dynasty?

Since Cixi is a woman, she is trying to promote the idea that women can be competent and more independent.

How were reforms to the civil service intended to strengthen China?

It made jobs in the civil service viable for lower classes, and made the civil service more efficient by utilising the talents of lower classes.

• Win support of peasant class by giving them more opportunities

How were reforms to the civil service intended to strengthen Cixi’s dynasty?

• More workers in a more efficient civil service will be good for Cixi’s reputation

• She could gain the support of the lower classes

How was the nationalisation of railways intended to strengthen China?

• Bolsters up the Chinese government’s wealth and allows private firms less power

• Less power to foreign companies

• Easier transportation makes more business and economic connections easier

How was the nationalisation of railways intended to strengthen Cixi’s dynasty?

• In the event of a war, Cixi has control over railways

• People are more reliant on the dynasty for transportation

What educational reforms were put in place?

• Scholarships for students to study abroad

• Establishment of naval and military academies

How were educational reforms intended to strengthen China?

• Outsources higher education to other countries

• More highly educated people helps to secure future of China

• New naval and military academies increases enrolment and competency of the army.

How were educational reforms intended to strengthen Cixi’s dynasty?

These reforms strengthened China, reflecting well on Cixi as an empress

When were provincial assemblies created?

1909

What were the provincial assemblies?

Small institutions who brought together local men to advise the government in Beijing on policy

• Xinjiang (Uyghur province) was denied an assembly

• Note the assemblies were elected by a small group of wealthy men

How was the creation of provincial assemblies intended to strengthen China?

• More representation of a greater majority of the population, including (nearly) all classes and areas

• If policy is more in favour of what Chinese people want, they are likely to be more productive and work to strengthen China

How was the creation of provincial assemblies intended to strengthen Cixi’s dynasty?

• Allowed Cixi to make better decisions in order to appease more of the Chinese population

• Gave her a scapegoat if any decisions went wrong

How was the creation of a new Chinese army intended to strengthen China?

Modernising the army was important to make it suitable to combat foreign threats

How was the creation of a new Chinese army intended to strengthen Cixi’s dynasty?

The army’s increased loyalty to Cixi gave her more power to get them to do what she wanted

When was the National Consultative Council established?

1910-11

How was the creation of a National Consultative Council intended to strengthen China?

• More country wide representation

  • and therefore more unity

How was the creation of a National Consultative Council intended to strengthen Cixi’s dynasty?

• Better quality of advice

• scapegoat