Hundred Days Reform Overview

Questions and Answers

When were the Hundred Days Reforms enacted?

11th June - 21st September 1898

What triggered the Hundred Days Reform?

The Guangxu Emperor, influenced by his progressive tutor, decided that China's loss in the Sino-Japanese war was evidence enough that a change was needed.

Who advised the Guangxu Emperor on reforms?

Kang Youwei

What was included in the reforms?

Modernization of education, introduction of a Constitutional Monarchy, dismissal of sinecures, introduction of capitalist ideas, industrialization, conscripted army. Signup and view all the answers

What did Kang Youwei believe?

That to accompany innovation, China needed to reform its ideology. Signup and view all the answers

There was only 1 political reform.

True Signup and view all the answers

What ended the reforms?

Guangxu was put into house arrest until his death after Yuan betrayed him, and Kang Youwei fled to Japan. Signup and view all the answers

What were some causes of the reform's failure?

Too radical, court too conservative, threatened Court's power, progressives had too little support, Cixi was yet to see the necessity of reform. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hundred Days Reform Overview

Enacted from 11th June to 21st September 1898.
Aimed at modernizing China following its defeat in the Sino-Japanese War.

Trigger for the Reforms

Loss in the Sino-Japanese War prompted the Guangxu Emperor to seek significant changes.
Influenced by his progressive tutor, who advocated for modernization.

Key Advisor

Kang Youwei played a crucial role in advising the Guangxu Emperor on reform strategies.

Reform Details

Included major initiatives such as:
- Modernization of education focusing on mathematics and sciences.
- Introduction of a Constitutional Monarchy.
- Dismissal of sinecures to eliminate ineffective positions.
- Promotion of capitalist ideas and industrialization.
- Establishment of a conscripted army for military enhancement.

Kang Youwei's Beliefs

Advocated that China's ideological reform was essential alongside practical innovations.

Political Reform Insight

Only one significant political reform was proposed, highlighting the desire of powerful elites to retain their influence.

End of the Reforms

The reforms collapsed due to a betrayal by Yuan Shikai who informed Empress Dowager Cixi.
Guangxu was placed under house arrest until his death; Kang Youwei escaped to Japan.

Reasons for Reform Failure

Reforms considered too radical for a conservative court.
Potential threats to the existing power structure alarmed conservative factions.
Limited support from progressive elements within the government.
Empress Dowager Cixi failed to recognize the urgent need for reforms.

Description

Explore the Hundred Days Reform, a significant yet short-lived period in Chinese history from June to September 1898. This quiz delves into the key events and figures involved, particularly the Guangxu Emperor and his advisor Kang Youwei, as they sought to modernize China following its defeat in the Sino-Japanese War.