Hundred Days' Reform

Hundred Days of institutional reform, founding Peking University and awakening modern constitutionalism.

XiaShangZhouHanThree KingdomsJinNorthern and SouthernTangTen KingdomsSongYuanMingQing
Hundred Days' Reform · 1898 CE
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Cause & Context

Defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War ignited the imperialist scramble for concessions; and mobilized scholars in the 'Gongche Petition' demanding radical reform.

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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 crushed the movement.

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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.

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Key Figures

Emperor Guangxu risked his throne; and articulated the ideology; and the 'Six Martyrs' sacrificed their lives for constitutional reform.