How did the Hundred Days’ Reform impact China?

The Hundred Days’ Reform impacted China by introducing modernisation efforts and sparking a push for political and social change.

The Hundred Days' Reform, which took place in 1898, was a significant turning point in China's history. It was a period of rapid and radical reform initiated by the Guangxu Emperor in an attempt to modernise China and make it competitive on the global stage. The reforms aimed to transform China's traditional, agrarian society into a modern, industrialised nation-state. They encompassed a wide range of areas, including education, military, bureaucracy, and industry.

The reform's impact on education was particularly significant. The traditional Confucian examination system, which had been in place for centuries, was abolished. In its place, a new system was introduced that emphasised practical subjects such as science, mathematics, and foreign languages. This was a radical departure from the past and marked a significant shift in China's educational philosophy.

In terms of the military, the reform sought to modernise China's armed forces. This involved adopting Western military techniques and technologies, as well as reorganising the military structure. The aim was to create a modern, professional army that could defend China against foreign aggression.

The reform also sought to modernise China's bureaucracy. This involved introducing a merit-based system for appointing officials, as well as implementing measures to reduce corruption. The aim was to create a more efficient and effective government.

In terms of industry, the reform aimed to stimulate economic growth by promoting industrialisation. This involved encouraging foreign investment and adopting Western technologies and methods of production.

However, the Hundred Days' Reform was met with strong resistance from conservative elements within the Qing court, who saw it as a threat to their power and influence. This led to a coup d'etat, which ended the reform prematurely. Despite its short duration, the reform had a profound impact on China. It sparked a push for political and social change, which eventually led to the fall of the Qing dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China. It also laid the groundwork for the modernisation efforts that would take place in the 20th century.