The Self-Strengthening Movement was a 19th-century push to modernize China, particularly in the fields of industry and defense. Foreign interference in China, its defeat in the Second Opium War, the humiliating Unequal Treaties and the Taiping Rebellion all exposed the Qing dynasty’s military and technological backwardness, particularly in comparison to European nations.
Qing reformers hoped to strengthen the nation by preserving Qing rule and maintaining traditional Confucian values while embracing Western military and industrial practices. As one writer explained, it was necessary to “learn barbarian methods to combat barbarian threats”. To acquire this knowledge China had to actively engage with Western nations, examine their trade and technology, encourage the study of Western languages and develop a diplomatic service to connect with foreign governments.
Qing reformers hoped to strengthen the nation by preserving Qing rule and maintaining traditional Confucian values while embracing Western military and industrial practices. As one writer explained, it was necessary to “learn barbarian methods to combat barbarian threats”. To acquire this knowledge China had to actively engage with Western nations, examine their trade and technology, encourage the study of Western languages and develop a diplomatic service to connect with foreign governments.
Failure of the Self Strengthening Movement
Despite their efforts, the three-decade-long Self-Strengthening Movement was generally unsuccessful. Conservatives within the Qing government wanted nothing to do with Western methods and gave the program gave it inadequate attention and resources.
For example Officials in charge of the Self Strengthening Movement acquired funds to rebuild and modernize the Chinese Navy. However, the Empress Dowager Cixi (pictured at right) who ruled on behalf of her infant son, diverted diverted these funds to build a marble steamship in the lake of the Summer Palace (pictured below). This provided the Imperial household with a cool place to drink their tea during the summer months.
For example Officials in charge of the Self Strengthening Movement acquired funds to rebuild and modernize the Chinese Navy. However, the Empress Dowager Cixi (pictured at right) who ruled on behalf of her infant son, diverted diverted these funds to build a marble steamship in the lake of the Summer Palace (pictured below). This provided the Imperial household with a cool place to drink their tea during the summer months.