The Hundred Days’ Reform was a series of sweeping changes made to the Chinese government in 1898 by the Guangxu Emperor and supported by his ally, the reformist statesman Kang Youwei. The reforms sought to modernize China so that it could compete with other sophisticated nations, making it more efficient and open to foreign ideas and technologies. The Hundred Days’ Reforms were short-lived, lasting less than four months, but they had a lasting impact on the way China governed itself into the twentieth century.
The reforms began on 11 June 1898 when the Guangxu Emperor issued an edict calling for the formation of a new cabinet, headed by the reformer Kang Youwei. This collection of reformers and ministers, known as the ‘National Shield’, was formed to ‘protect the national welfare, strengthen the foundation and secure the existence of the state’. One of the main initiatives of the new cabinet was to reduce corruption in government by introducing new rules, such as the prohibition of military officers from accepting presents from local officials and making all government appointments on the basis of merit rather than favouritism.
In addition to these political reforms, the Hundred Days’ Reforms also sought to introduce social and economic policies. One of the key goals was to implement new education systems. To this end, a new nationwide school system was established, offering free education to all children regardless of their family’s wealth or background. New universities were created, and the teaching of Western sciences, mathematics, and literature were encouraged.
An effort was also made to improve agricultural production by promoting new methods and technologies. New regional banks were established to lend money to farmers and provide training in the latest agricultural techniques. In addition, land taxation was enacted, which gave money to landowners to pay for the development of new crop varieties, irrigation systems, and other improvements.
Industrial reform was also a major part of the Hundred Days’ Reforms. New factories were built and tariffs reduced in order to make them more attractive to foreign investment. New laws were also introduced to protect labour rights, including a minimum wage and limits on the number of hours worked.
Unfortunately, the reforms did not last very long. On 21 September 1898, just three months after the reforms were enacted, the ruling conservative forces regained control and launched a massive campaign against the reformers. The majority of the reformers fled the country, and the edicts passed by the Guangxu Emperor were declared null and void. Despite its short duration, however, the Hundred Days’ Reforms played a significant role in the development of China as a modern nation, and many of the reforms that were successfully implemented during this period remain in place today.