4.2 Key figures and their contributions

The Self-Strengthening Movement marked China's early attempts at modernization. Key figures like Li Hongzhang, Zeng Guofan, and Zuo Zongtang led reforms in military, industry, and education to strengthen the Qing dynasty against foreign threats.

These leaders established modern institutions like the Jiangnan Arsenal and Fuzhou Naval Shipyard. They promoted Western learning and technology adoption. However, Empress Dowager Cixi's conflicting priorities ultimately hindered more radical reforms.

Key Figures and Their Contributions

Key figures of Self-Strengthening Movement

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• Li Hongzhang (1823-1901)
  • Prominent Qing dynasty official and leader of Self-Strengthening Movement
  • Served as Governor-General of Zhili province and Viceroy of Liangguang region (Guangdong and Guangxi)
  • Implemented reforms in military, industry, and education
• Zeng Guofan (1811-1872)
  • Confucian scholar and military leader during Qing dynasty
  • Played crucial role in suppressing Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864), a massive civil war that threatened Qing rule
  • Mentored and influenced other reformers like Li Hongzhang and Zuo Zongtang
• Zuo Zongtang (1812-1885)
  • Qing dynasty statesman and military leader known for his role in Self-Strengthening Movement
  • Served as Governor-General of Shaanxi and Gansu provinces in northwest China
  • Instrumental in suppressing Dungan Revolt (1862-1877), a rebellion by Hui Muslims against Qing rule

Contributions to China's modernization

• Li Hongzhang
  • Established Jiangnan Arsenal in Shanghai and Fuzhou Naval Shipyard in Fujian to produce modern weapons and ships
  • Promoted construction of railways and telegraph lines to improve transportation and communication infrastructure
  • Supported China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company to develop domestic shipping industry and compete with foreign firms
  • Advocated for sending Chinese students abroad (Japan, Europe, United States) to study Western knowledge and technologies
• Zeng Guofan
  • Organized Xiang Army, which became model for modernizing Chinese military with Western weapons and training methods
  • Encouraged adoption of Western military technology (rifles, artillery) and tactics to strengthen Qing armed forces
  • Supported establishment of modern schools and translation of Western books to promote learning of foreign languages and sciences
• Zuo Zongtang
  • Modernized Gansu Army using Western military equipment (firearms) and techniques to enhance combat effectiveness
  • Promoted development of agriculture and industry in northwest regions to boost economic productivity and self-sufficiency
  • Supported founding of modern schools and study of Western sciences (mathematics, engineering) to cultivate technical expertise

Empress Dowager Cixi's influence

• Support for Self-Strengthening Movement
  • Initially backed reform efforts led by Prince Gong and other progressive officials to adopt Western technologies and strengthen Qing rule
  • Approved establishment of modern institutions (Tongwen Guan, Interpreters' College) and military modernization programs
• Hindering Self-Strengthening Movement
  • Prioritized maintaining her power and stability of Qing dynasty over implementing substantive political and social reforms
  • Opposed more radical reforms that could undermine traditional Confucian values and imperial system of governance
  • Diverted funds from modernization projects to rebuild Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) destroyed by foreign forces in 1860

Establishment of modern institutions

• Jiangnan Arsenal
  • Established in 1865 under leadership of Li Hongzhang and Zeng Guofan in Shanghai
  • One of largest and most advanced arsenals in China, producing modern weapons (rifles, cannons), ammunition, and machinery based on Western technology
  • Symbolized Qing efforts to develop domestic arms industry and reduce reliance on foreign imports
• Fuzhou Naval Shipyard
  • Founded in 1866 under supervision of Zuo Zongtang and French advisors in Fuzhou, Fujian province
  • Built modern warships (gunboats, cruisers) and naval equipment to strengthen Qing maritime defenses
  • Served as key center for China's naval modernization and training of skilled shipbuilders and technicians
• Other notable institutions
  1. Tianjin Machine Factory (1867): produced machinery and tools for industrial and military use
  2. Foochow Arsenal (1867): manufactured firearms, artillery, and ammunition for Qing armed forces
  3. Beijing Tongwen Guan (1862): foreign language school that trained translators and diplomats in English, French, Russian