The Hundred days of Reform

It was an attempt to modernise China by reforming its government, economy and society.

Guangxu believed it was necessary after the failure of the Sel Strengthening Movement and defeat in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95.

Kang changed or simply reinforced the emperor’s ideas when he consulted the emperor to submit detailed proposals.

He proposed the drafting and adoption of a constitution, the creation of a national parliament, a review of the imperial examination system and sweeping changes to provincial government and the bureaucracy.

Traditionalist Confucian scholars, Powerful ministers and Bureaucrats as well as Dowager Empress Cixi opposed these reforms.

Cixi reacts in a prompt and rash manner. She immediately shuts down and seizes reform, the military and the emperor.

The Beijing University brought about educational change

People – although not positive for the Qing – could start to have they own independent thought

Last genuine attempt of the Qing trying to introduce reform within the Government

The Qing self-sabotage themselves

Cixi ultimately is able to shutdown reform