Why did the Self-Strengthening Movement of China proved to be less effective than the Meiji Reform in Japan?

Reasons why less effective (points for).. Based on ConfucianismBased on Confucianism  Confucianism - The political morality taught by Confucius and his disciples, which forms the basis of the Chinese.(includes moral, ethical, religious and social values and practices.)  Westernization and modernization often rebels against Confucius ideas; thus reducing the ability for China to change/strengthen effectively (a trap)  “Chinese learning as the base, Western studies for use.” policy known as ziqiang ---> the aim and basis was too restricted and did not enable China to strengthen itself freely. (put forward by Joseph Levenson)

Reasons why less effective (points for).. Western vs. Chinese attitudesWestern vs. Chinese attitudes  Chinese felt that they were superior eg. Feng Guifen(intellectual) didn’t accept Western remedies/methods of health care as better than the Chinese ways, vice versa  Regarded westerners as barbarians Vs. “Corrupted systems” in China  Thus, their attitudes towards each other inevitably made the movement ineffective. Lack of sufficient transportation networks (infrastructure)Lack of sufficient transportation networks (infrastructure)  The infrastructure in China did not enable her to modernize effectively, ie. Roads, communication systems. Therefore, took longer to modernize effectively, compared to Japan.

Also ineffective because… Chinese governmentChinese government  Chinese government played an minor role - not obstructive and adequate. Whereas in Japan, the government acted extensively on most projects and reforms - thus leading her success later on ie. During the economic miracle in late 1950s.  Government policies did not promote economic growth nor development ie. industrialization, modernization, improved health care etc. --> policies not wrong, but inadequate.  Little government revenue, because ineffective taxation system --> fundamental problem (Roberts)  The government was corrupt - “excessive and capricous taxation, omnipresent corruption…” (p. 76 Roberts)

Also ineffective because… Western interventionWestern intervention  The unequal treaties resulting from the Opium war reduced the possibility for a successful movement in China.  Western intervention in China was also more intense than in Japan. Social FactorsSocial Factors  Larger population than Japan; thus perhaps “impossible” to modernize in such a short period of time  Chinese people enjoyed living in harmony with nature, ensuring stability “Chinese studies for the essence, Western studies for utility” problems with approach Vs. Japan encouraged change and innovation

However, may be argued ….(points against) Not a Total FailureNot a Total Failure  Because during the movement, had some major achievements (particularly during her initial stages)  First period( ) - focused on Western arms, machiner, scientific knowledge, technological education. Therefore, Kiangnan arsenal built in 1865, Tientsin machine factory(1870), Overseas studies (1872), steel warships (1875), coil-mine opened(1878)  Second Period( ) - Industrial phase, improved infrasturre ie. Roads, telegraph lines  However,  However, the Sino-Japanese war illustrates the movement’s ineffectiveness, in which China lost the war against Japan, who seemed to have modernize more effectively. ---> test of the parallel modernization process in China and Japan.  The aims of the movement was not strictly to modernize, but rather - “China hoped to acquire Western technology” and a way “to China’s way out of her problems”  Thus, should be acknowledged that the aims of the movement may not have been to modernize as efficiently and effectively as the Meiji Reform.

Historiography Most historians believe generally that the Self-Strengthening Movement was less effective than the Meiji Reform. However, different historians seem to still have specific emphasis on particular reasons as to why. E.g. Joseph Levenson and Mary Wright - believes Confucianism played one of the strongest roles in preventing effective modernization, as it restricted China’s attempt to alter her beliefs and ways of life - trapped in the Confucian thinking and ideas. (compatibility of Western culture under Confucian orders = impossible) J.A.G. Roberts - seems to emphasize the government’s role was inadequate and inefficient--> thus led to inability to develop and modernize Frances Moulder - believes wasn’t because of Chinese cultures/ traditions, but rather “because the burden of Western intervention was much heavier in China ” (Roberts p.80)

Conclusion In conclusion, the Self-Strengthening Movement proved to be ineffective to most historians; yet the Chinese intellectuals and officers during the movement may have found the their achievements quite successful and significant (ie. Shipyards built, language schools opened). However, as many historians have noted, such as Mary Wright and Joseph Levenson, these successes were so minor, amateur and Confucian-based, that led to the failure and ineffectiveness of the movement. The Sino-Japanese War(1892-5) also justified how the Chinese were not successful or at least not successful enough to have significantly made them win the war. Nevertheless, recognition of the different aims of the provincial officials should be made, as one could also say that if each project under them was successful, then generalizing the whole movement was a failure or ineffective is wrong. Also, although China’s economy did not drastically improve, the aim of the movement was not economic growth, but rather economic stability.