Question

How did the Qing dynasty try and meet the challenge posed by the Western powers?

Answer 1

After the opium war(1839-42), the Qing dynasty under reformers like Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao initiated policies to reform the administrative system, army and the educational system. They saw a demand to transform China in order to protect it from colonisation. The following were the reforms initiated by the Qing dynasty

1. Educational Reforms : The education system and examination pattern was reformed by modernizing the existing traditional system. Provisions were also made to encourage women to appear for the different government level exams.

2. Political Reforms: The system of absolute monarchy existent in China was to be replaced by constitutional monarchy. Democracy was accepted as the new form of government.

3. Economic Reforms: The Chinese economy was strengthened by adopting capitalism as the form of the economy. This reform would encourage, China to rapidly industrialize.

4. Military Reforms: The strength and composition of the army was changed under these reforms.