Cause & Context
Defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War ignited the imperialist scramble for concessions; Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao mobilized scholars in the 'Gongche Petition' demanding radical reform.
Epochal Overview
Emperor Guangxu issued the 'Decree on Clarifying the National Direction', promulgating over 100 edicts in 103 days to streamline government, modernize education with Jingshi Daxuetang, and reform the military before Empress Dowager Cixi crushed the movement.
Key Figures
Emperor Guangxu risked his throne; Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao articulated the ideology; Tan Sitong and the 'Six Martyrs' sacrificed their lives for constitutional reform.
Civilizational Impact
Though suppressed, the Hundred Days' Reform pioneered modern China's first constitutional transformation, founded Peking University, and awakened modern civil and political consciousness.