In What Ways Did the Late Qing Reform Help

In what ways did the Late Qing Reform help modernizing China? (15 marks) The Late Qing Reform helped modernize China in certain ways. Politically, modernization refers to the transformation of monarchy to democracy. Economically, it refers to the process of industrialization, agricultural mechanization and the development of transportation. Socially, it refers to the procedure of urbanization, improvement in communication and people’s growing desire to participate in politic. Culturally, it freed a nation from conservative beliefs to acceptance of interchange of diverse culture.

Educationally, it enables knowledge to be commonly taught instead of reserving it for the rich. For both aspects above, it emphasizes individual right and free thinking rather than restrictions on composing works and exams. Militarily, it refers to Westernize methods and diversity in training, which is the establishment of armies, navies and air forces, in contrast with unsystematic military training. Politically, in 1908, the outline of Constitution was issued and a nine-year programme of constitutional preparation was announced.

In 1909, the first introduction and practice of election were carried out after the setup of the provincial assemblies. The outline of the Constitution gave people freedom of speech, writing, publication, assembly and association within the limit of law. It also showed the first attempt of the Qing government to abolish the monarchy and lead China towards democracy. The setup of the provincial assemblies gave people the right to vote and exercise their power through their representatives in the parliament.

Therefore, the Late Qing Reform formed the first model of democratic practices and helped modernize China politically. Economically, the reform made many commercial and industrial regulations, e. g. the Regulation of mining and the Companies Registration. People were encouraged to set up enterprises and do business as their property rights were secured by law. Between 1903 and 1908, about 130 Chinese-owned factories were established in the treaty ports. State and private banks were founded. Over 10,000 miles of railway were constructed in 10 years.

The reform leaded to the establishment of a more modern legal and economic system which promoted the practice of law and economic development. Railway network became extensive which facilitate transportation. Therefore, the Late Qing Reform modernized China economically, transforming a planned economy to a market-oriented and individual-based economy. For cultural and educational aspect, from 1902 onwards, the eight-legged essay was replaced by current topics in the imperial civil service examination. In 1905, the examination was abolished while the Military of Education was set up.

Thousands of students were sent to study abroad. Many new-style universities, secondary schools and primary schools with a modern school system and a mixed curriculum were established. The reform popularized education and provided women with education. People were given more freedom in expressing their thoughts. Science and practical knowledge were emphasized while the value of individual was affirmed. The policy of sending students to study abroad nurtured many Chinese intellectuals to bring Western and modern ideas and technology back to their homeland.

Therefore, the Late Qing Reform helped modernize China in cultural and educational aspect. Socially, the Late Qing Reform helped modernize China. From 1902 onwards, Manzu-Han intermarriage was allowed while women were set free from foot-binding. In 1906, laws were made to ban opium-smoking. Corporal punishment and slavery were abolished. The reform ended some unhealthy social conduct and promoted sexual equality. The intermarriage helped reducing Manzu-Han discrimination while rising mutual cultural exchange. Therefore, the Late Qing Reform helped modernize China culturally and socially.

Militarily, in 1901, the military examination was abolished. In 1903, the Bureau of Military was set up in Beijing to organize and train the New Army in western style, which was also equipped with advanced weapons. By October 1911, a new army of about 270,000 soldiers were established. The policies lead to the uptake of more advanced military equipment and modern training methods that strengthened China’s militarily defense. In this sense, the Late Qing Reform helped modernize China militarily. In conclusion, the Late Qing Reform helped modernize China politically, economically, socially, culturally, educationally and militarily.