The Hundred Days' Reform

The Hundred Days' Reform was a brief period in 1898 when Chinese Emperor Guangxu and reform-minded officials attempted rapid modernization of China’s government, economy, education, and military. Inspired by Western ideas, they aimed to strengthen China against foreign powers and internal decay. However, conservative factions, including Empress Dowager Cixi, opposed these changes and aimed to maintain traditional control. The reform was quickly halted, leading to a political crackdown. Despite its failure, it sparked future reform movements, highlighting the urgent need for China to modernize to survive in a changing world.