Question

How did the dowager empress’ perspective on reform evolve?

Answer 1

Empress Dowager Cixi was a Chinese Empress from the Manchu Yehe Nara clan who governed over China from 1861 until her death in 1908. The Empress Cixi had a firm posture on not adopting Western models of government as a way to reform Chinese society. This does not mean she was not positive on any type of reform. Indeed she encouraged technological and military reforms and the Self Strengthening Movement which was a series of  institutional reforms that China adopted after the Opium Wars against Britain. In 1898 Guanxy Emperor conducted a series of reforms in education, politics and culture for 103 days. Although Empress Cixi agreed with the principles of the reforms, she was afraid that without proper support the movement would be disruptive for China. When the Boxer Uprisings began, Cixi initially supported the Boxers groups for considering them defenders of the dynasty. Later on she became more receptive of foreigners and implemented a series of fiscal and institutional reforms that made China a constitutional monarchy.

Answer 2

My answer is The dowager empress Cixi held reins of power. Committed to tradition values, but did not support certain reforms. Wanted to reform educational system, diplomatic service, and military.