The Hundred Days Reforms were a series of sweeping reforms that Emperor Guangxu proposed during the late Qing Dynasty. They represented a challenge to the conservative Confucianism of the Imperial court and were seen as a sign of progress for China. The Reforms consisted of 19 policy edicts issued by the Emperor between June 11 and September 22, 1898 in response to the deteriorating social and economic conditions of the late Qing Dynasty.
The goals of the Reforms were twofold: first, to address the political corruption and economic stagnation of the previous decades; and second, to modernize the antiquated Chinese society by introducing new laws, institutions, curricula, and systems of governmental administration. The reforms granted greater political rights to ordinary citizens and increased their involvement in the political process. Hygiene, sanitation, public health and education were also improved.
The proposed reforms covered a wide range of subjects, including military, civil service, finance, industry, commerce, railways, postal services, law, education, taxation, public works, foreign affairs, local self-government and maritime communications.
The military reforms sought to expand enrollment and introduce modern weapons and tactics. A new National Defense Council and Military Schools were set up to train officers. To increase efficiency in government, a new system was introduced to promote qualified officials and prevent corruption. The cabinet system was replaced with a bicameral legislature called the Grand Council, which was to be comprised of two separate bodies: the Jixi and the Senate.
The financial reforms sought to improve and reform the taxation system, increase tax revenue, reduce expenditures, and balance the budget. The newly established Finance Council was given the power to create new taxes and modify existing ones. New banks, joint stock companies and insurance societies were established to improve banking practices and encourage investment.
Industry and commerce reforms were designed to encourage the development of industry and increase foreign trade. The Tangshan Railway was opened to become the first to link the capital with other coastal ports, while the Qingdao Naval Force was established to protect Chinese interests on the high seas.
The educational reforms sought to modernize the backward schools and introduce new curricula. Higher educational institutions, such as the Peking University and the Imperial University of China, were founded to train educated professionals. The Imperial Academy of Fine Arts and Imperial College of Arts and Crafts were both established to encourage the use of modern technology across the arts.
The reforms also addressed issues of public health and hygiene. A nationwide quarantine system was established to prevent the spread of epidemic diseases, while sanitary regulations were introduced to improve hygiene. A Board of Medical Superintendents was established while new systems of taxation and public works were employed to improve infrastructure and public amenities.
The Hundred Days Reform program was met with fierce opposition from the conservatives within the Imperial court. Empress Dowager Cixi, who had assumed the regency after Emperor Guangxu fell ill, strongly opposed the program and eventually dismissed all the reformers. The Hundred Days Reform program ended abruptly and was seen as a failure.
Despite its failure, the Hundred Days Reform program was an important milestone in the modernization of China. It laid the foundation for many of the reforms and developments that would come later, and is seen as a crucial step in the transition from a traditional Chinese society to a modern nation.