3. The Self-Strengthening Reforms (1902-1911)

A series of reforms from 1902-11 aimed at modernising China through learning and copying methods from foreign powers in China

Causes:

• Qing dynasty needed to be secured after the Boxer Uprising

  • embarrassment and consequences were severe

• Foreigners were strong in China, proving to be an effective source of knowledge

• Qing’s reputation needed to be improved with quick actions

Changes:

• Traditional civil service exams ended to diversify the sector

  • previously heavily Mandarin dominated

  => not enough time for any real change to take place

• More opportunities for military service + international scholarships

  => exposed to radical ideas that grew especially in Japan

  • nationalist republican ideas of Sun Yat-sen

• New army established under Manchu control

  => expensive => increased taxes => unpopular

  • Yuan Shikai (General) dismissed => Yuan sought revenge

• Provincial Assemblies introduced

  => frustration => 0.4% had the right to vote

• National Consultative Council created

  • to advise the government

    => 9/13 were Manchu + proposed constitutional changes could take place only after a 9 year delay

• Nationalisation of the railways

  => provincial companies not given full compensation

  • taxes raised + reliant on the West to build more lines => concessions to the ‘foreign devils’

  • Manchu Qing Dynasty appeared to be in a partnership with the West

  => growing resentment

• Child Emperor Puyi was 2 year old when he took the throne

  • his father Prince Chun ruled as regent

  => inexperienced => weak government

Impact:

• Far too little, too late

• Failed to satisfy radical reformers => 1911 revolution