The Hundred Days’ Reform (1898): A Concise Overview
The Hundred Days’ Reform was an ambitious yet short-lived campaign for political, educational,
and institutional change in Qing Dynasty China. Initiated by the Guangxu Emperor and led by
reformers like Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao, it lasted from June 11 to September 21, 1898. The
movement aimed to modernize China and counter foreign imperialism, but resistance from
conservatives, led by Empress Dowager Cixi, led to its failure.
Causes and Context
The reform was driven by the failures of the Self-Strengthening Movement (1860–1894), which
could not prevent China’s defeats, notably in the Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895). Reformers
like Kang Youwei advocated for adopting Western-style institutions to strengthen China’s
governance and economy. Exposure to Western ideas through missionaries, treaty ports, and
modern education inspired a new generation of reform-minded scholars. The growing influence
of foreign powers in China further underscored the urgency of reform.
Key Reforms
Approximately 200 decrees were issued, focusing on education, administration, military, and
economic modernization:
• Education: Abolition of the “eight-legged essay” in civil exams,
establishment of modern schools, and founding of Peking University.
• Administration: Elimination of redundant offices, anti-corruption measures,
and merit-based appointments.
• Military: Modernization of training and strategies.
• Economy: Promotion of agriculture, industry, and railways.
Reasons for Failure
The reform faced fierce opposition:
• Conservative Resistance: Traditionalists saw reforms as threats to
Confucian values and their vested interests.
• Lack of Political Support: The Empress Dowager retained significant power
and viewed the reform as a challenge to her authority.
• Inexperience: Reformers lacked administrative experience and
underestimated the complexities of implementation.
• Weak Popular Base: The movement had little support among the general
populace.
A failed coup to neutralize Cixi led to her seizing power, imprisoning the Emperor,
and reversing most reforms. Key reformers fled, and six were executed.
Conclusion
Despite its failure, the Hundred Days’ Reform highlighted the need for modernization in China
and set the stage for future reformist efforts. It remains a pivotal moment in Chinese history,
symbolizing the tension between tradition and modernization.
