历史小径·世界史英语30篇（2）
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The Hundred Days’ Reform and Constitutional Aspirations in Late Qing China
百日维新与晚清立宪思潮
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In 1898, Emperor Guangxu launched sweeping reforms to modernize China’s government, military, and education system.
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Scholars like Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao urged adoption of constitutional monarchy modeled on Japan and Britain.
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New schools taught Western science, newspapers promoted public debate, and ministries were reorganized for efficiency.
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Conservative officials and Empress Dowager Cixi opposed changes threatening Manchu privilege and imperial authority.
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After only 103 days, Cixi staged a coup, placed the emperor under house arrest, and reversed nearly all reforms.
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Though short-lived, the movement planted ideas about rule of law and citizen rights among young intellectuals.
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Its failure exposed deep structural resistance to institutional change within the Qing court.
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Many reformers fled abroad and continued advocating constitutionalism through journals and lectures.
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These debates laid groundwork for the 1905–1911 constitutional preparation period before the dynasty collapsed.
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The Hundred Days showed how reformist vision could spark national reflection even when crushed by power.