Late Qing Reform (1901-1911)

The process of modernizing China's military by adopting Western practices, techniques, and equipment. This included sending military officers to Japan to learn modern tactics and establishing a system for training and developing a strong military force.

The establishment of a modern legal framework in China, including codified laws and a structured judicial system. This involved revising existing laws, establishing courts, and advocating for the principle of judicial independence.

The process of fostering economic growth and development in China through the introduction of modern industries, manufacturing, and commerce. This involved encouraging entrepreneurship, establishing new factories and mines, and promoting industrial innovation.

The effort to improve the overall quality of life and social standards in China. This included addressing social ills like foot-binding and encouraging more liberal social practices. It also aimed to promote education and literacy.

The process of setting up a modern education system in China, including the establishment of universities, secondary schools, and primary schools. This involved replacing the traditional civil service examination system and encouraging a new system of education focused on individual thinking.

The establishment of a system of representative government in China, with elected officials representing the people. This involved setting up provincial and national assemblies, introducing an electoral system, and allowing citizens to participate in elections.

The first time that elections were introduced in Chinese history. This marked a significant step towards establishing a more democratic and representative government.

The influence of modern Western thoughts and ideas on Chinese students studying abroad, primarily in Japan. The influx of these students back into China contributed to the spread of Western thought and innovation.

The May Fourth Movement (MFM) aimed to revive China's economy by encouraging the use of Chinese products and promoting the growth of national industries.

The MFM encouraged a shift from traditional Chinese values to more modern ideals, challenging Confucianism and advocating for democracy and individual rights.

The MFM greatly promoted the use of vernacular Chinese in writing, leading to the rise of new literature and a more accessible form of communication.

The MFM sparked a strong sense of nationalism among the Chinese people, leading to increased public participation in national affairs and a widespread sense of national identity.

The MFM championed universal education and gender equality, with institutions like Nanjing Higher Normal School and Peking University implementing co-education practices, and the Ministry of Education enacting reforms to ensure equal educational opportunities for women.

The MFM was a pivotal moment in China's history, accelerating its modernization by promoting economic development, national unity, and social reforms, all while ushering in a new era of modern thought and cultural values.

The May Fourth Movement was a powerful force in promoting a sense of national identity and unity, fostering a strong sense of belonging among the Chinese people.

The May Fourth Movement's emphasis on individual rights and democracy was a significant departure from the traditional autocratic system in China, setting the stage for a more democratic future.

The 1911 Revolution ended the Qing Dynasty, marking the end of China's dynastic system and over 2000 years of monarchy.

Yuan Shikai, a powerful military leader, was promised the presidency by Sun Yat-sen, leader of the revolution, if he supported the establishment of the republic and forced the Qing emperor to abdicate.

The 1911 Revolution brought about a transition from a monarchy to a republic, with the adoption of a constitutional system for the first time in China.

The 1911 Revolution had a profound impact on Chinese society, influencing the way people lived, dressed, and learned. Westernization was introduced, creating a new cultural landscape.

The 1911 Revolution accelerated the adoption of Western social customs, including the removal of traditional pigtails, the end of foot binding for women, the banning of opium smoking, and the increasing popularity of Western dress.

The new government passed new education laws that allowed women to receive education, increasing the number of female schools across China.

The 1911 Revolution marked a significant step towards political modernization in China, ushering in a new era of constitutional government.

The 1911 Revolution brought about a transition from a feudal lifestyle to a more modern one, evident in the adoption of Western calendar, rickshaws replacing sedan chairs, and new laws promoting education.

The period after Sun Yat-sen's death in 1925 during which the Kuomintang (KMT) sought to establish and consolidate its control over China. It involved a period of tutelage, where the KMT sought to prepare the nation for self-rule.

A military campaign launched by the Kuomintang (KMT) under Chiang Kai-shek to unify China under their rule. It involved the KMT fighting various warlords and ultimately achieving victory in 1928.

The establishment of the Kuomintang (KMT)'s government in Nanjing in 1927. This government initially aimed to modernize China and provide a unified, central authority. However it faced challenges from various warlords and foreign powers.

The five branches of government under the Nanjing government:

• Executive Yuan: Central administration
• Legislative Yuan: Making laws
• Judicial Yuan: Interpreting laws
• Examination Yuan: Administering exams
• Control Yuan: Supervising government operations

A constitution drafted by the Nationalist government in 1936. It was intended to formally establish a modern political system in China. However, it wasn’t adopted until 1946 due to the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War.

Legal reforms enacted by the Nanjing government to modernize China's legal system. These reforms aimed to equalize men and women, provide inheritance rights for women, and establish a modern judiciary.

The Nanjing government’s efforts to promote universal education in China through building schools of various levels. This aimed to modernize China and create a more educated citizenry.

The 1911 Revolution aimed to overthrow the Qing Dynasty and establish a democratic republic in China. However, several limitations prevented the revolution from fully achieving its goals.

Yuan Shikai, the leader of the Beiyang Army, seized power after the revolution and established an autocratic rule. He dissolved parliament, abolished the constitution, and even attempted to restore the monarchy, demonstrating a lack of commitment to democracy.

Confucianism, a traditional philosophy emphasizing social hierarchy and obedience to authority, remained deeply ingrained in society. This hindered the acceptance of Western ideas like liberalism and democracy, making it challenging to modernize China.

The education level of the Chinese people, particularly women, remained low. This limited their understanding of Western ideals and prevented them from actively participating in politics.

Warlords, powerful military leaders, emerged after Yuan Shikai's death. They divided China into various factions, leading to continuous warfare, instability, and a decline in the people's livelihood.

The warlords' constant conflicts and high military spending imposed heavy taxes on the people. This led to widespread poverty and hampered the government's ability to implement social and economic reforms.

The failure of the 1911 Revolution to bring about lasting political stability and economic development highlighted the deep-rooted challenges in modernizing China.

Sun Yat-sen, a leading revolutionary figure, had envisioned land redistribution as a key reform to improve the people's livelihood. However, he was unable to achieve this due to the political instability and the warlords' grip on power.

The idea that laws apply equally to everyone, including those in power. It's a foundation for modern democratic systems.

The belief that adopting all aspects of Western culture is essential for China's modernization.

The idea that science and technology can solve all problems.

The process of restoring a society's ethical and moral values after a period of disruption or upheaval.

A political system where the government is controlled by the military.

A period of transition where a country moves from military rule to a more representative form of government.

A three-step process designed to lead China toward a constitutional government: 1. Military Rule, 2. Political Tutelage, 3. Constitutional Government.