knowt logo

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

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