Kang Youwei
Topic: Paths to Modernisation: Japan, China, Korea · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 7 "Paths to Modernisation"
Meaning
Kang Youwei (1858–1927) was a leading reformer in late Qing China. With his student Liang Qichao, he belonged to the "traditional reformers". They used old Confucian ideas in new ways to argue for change. He wanted a modern administration, a new army, a new education system and local assemblies, which would lead step by step to constitutional government. His goal was to save China from foreign powers without ending the monarchy.
Example
In 1898, Kang Youwei advised the Guangxu Emperor during the Hundred Days' Reform. When Empress Dowager Cixi ended the reform, he fled abroad.
Don't confuse with
- Sun Yat-sen: A republican who wanted to overthrow the Qing. He became the leader of the Republic of China in 1911. Kang wanted to reform the monarchy, not remove it.
Related concepts
- Qing dynasty
- Triangular trade
- Opium Wars
- Treaty of Nanking 1842
- Semi-colony
- Taiping Rebellion
- Self-Strengthening Movement
- Hundred Days' Reform 1898
- Liang Qichao
- Boxer Rebellion