🏓history of modern china review

key term - Reformism

Definition

Reformism is a political and social ideology advocating for gradual change and improvements within existing systems, rather than through radical upheaval. In the context of modern China, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reformism emerged as a response to Western imperialism, highlighting the need for modernization and adaptation to counter foreign pressures and domestic challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Reformism gained traction in China during the late Qing Dynasty as intellectuals recognized the need for modernization to resist Western imperialism.
  2. Key figures associated with reformism included thinkers like Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao, who promoted ideas about constitutional monarchy and social change.
  3. The Self-Strengthening Movement (1861-1895) is often seen as an early example of reformist efforts, emphasizing military modernization and economic development.
  4. The Hundred Days' Reform in 1898 marked a significant attempt at comprehensive reforms, but it faced strong opposition from conservative factions within the Qing court.
  5. Reformism laid the groundwork for later revolutionary movements, including those led by Sun Yat-sen, who pushed for a complete transformation of China's political landscape.

Review Questions

  • How did reformism respond to the challenges posed by Western imperialism in China?
    • Reformism emerged as a response to Western imperialism by advocating for gradual changes aimed at modernizing Chinese society, economy, and governance. Intellectuals recognized that to effectively counter foreign domination, China needed to adopt Western technologies and ideas while preserving its cultural identity. This led to movements such as the Self-Strengthening Movement and the Hundred Days' Reform, both focused on making improvements within the existing system rather than resorting to radical changes.
  • What were some key initiatives or movements associated with reformism in late Qing China, and what were their outcomes?
    • Key initiatives associated with reformism included the Self-Strengthening Movement and the Hundred Days' Reform. The Self-Strengthening Movement focused on military enhancement and industrial development but had limited success due to bureaucratic resistance and lack of coherent strategy. The Hundred Days' Reform aimed for sweeping changes in education and governance but was quickly suppressed by conservative elements within the Qing court, highlighting the internal conflicts surrounding reformist ideas.
  • Evaluate the long-term impacts of reformism on China's political landscape in the early 20th century.
    • The long-term impacts of reformism on China's political landscape were significant as they set the stage for more radical transformations. The ideas promoted by reformists like Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao influenced future leaders like Sun Yat-sen, who ultimately sought to overthrow the Qing Dynasty. Despite facing setbacks, reformism fostered a political culture that valued modernization and change, contributing to revolutionary sentiments that led to the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912. Thus, reformism played a crucial role in shaping China's transition from imperial rule to a more modern political system.