The Self-Strengthening Motion, primarily occurring in China through the latter half of the nineteenth century, represented a interval of institutional reforms initiated through the late Qing dynasty following a sequence of navy defeats and unequal treaties with Western powers. The endeavor aimed to modernize the navy, financial system, and academic programs by means of selective adoption of Western applied sciences and data whereas preserving core Confucian values.
The initiatives undertaken throughout this era had various levels of success. Funding in arsenals and shipyards led to the development of recent weaponry and naval vessels, bolstering China’s navy capabilities, albeit not sufficient to completely face up to overseas aggression. Moreover, the event of industries reminiscent of textiles and mining spurred financial development, creating alternatives for entrepreneurs and expert employees. The institution of recent faculties and the interpretation of Western texts sought to domesticate a brand new technology of officers with technical experience. These actions supplied a basis for later modernization efforts in China.
