Since ancient times, new changes have often been accompanied by resistance from all sides, and the law of reform is the most representative example. So, why did this movement, which began at the beginning of the century, encounter Waterloo?
First of all, although the reformers emphasized the spread of Western learning to the East, their understanding of local conditions was still insufficient. They ignore the constraints of traditional culture and social Xi when they put forward many innovative ideas, so that the more radical they are, the more likely they are to provoke widespread backlash. As a direct result, reform has lost its foundation. On the other hand, the conservative forces, namely the feudal aristocracy, scholars, and vested interests involved in the interests of officials and businessmen, not only have great influence, but also hold actual power. In the face of the powerful conservative forces, the reformers were clearly at a disadvantage.
Second, the reform lacked broad public support in society. Despite this well-known view, it is worth pondering. Although the reformers put forward many forward-looking reform proposals, including the abolition of the imperial examination and the establishment of modern industry, these achievements unfortunately did not gain wide social recognition. To a large extent, society is still reluctant to do something new.
Thirdly, a number of contingencies have also hindered reform. For example, the turbulence of the external environment and the wrong behavior of the leadership have put the reform process in a difficult position. However, these seemingly "accidental" factors were not the key to the failure of the reforms, and the real problem was the limitations of the reformers themselves and the confrontation they faced with the powerful conservative forces.
On the surface, the reason for the failure of the reform was that, on the one hand, the social environment at that time was complex and there were many resistances. On the other hand, the reformers lacked experience and means, and were too idealistic to achieve their reform goals. However, from the perspective of deep-seated historical and ideological roots, the key to the failure of the reform lies in the contradiction between its ideological concept and social foundation.
The reform advocated a constitutional monarchy, abolished the imperial examination system, and advocated Western learning, all of which were major changes in reforming society. However, this reform does not take into account the traditional socio-cultural and historical heritage of China, and ignores the actual needs and aspirations of the people. Therefore, in practice, the new law could not win the support of the broad masses of the people, but instead aroused their strong dissatisfaction and resistance.
In addition, the ideas and ideas of the reform were too advanced and did not gain a broad social foundation and cultural recognition. The reformers tried to bring about these huge changes in the short term, ignoring the complexity and long-term nature of society, and failing to establish an effective reform mechanism. Therefore, despite their tremendous efforts and sacrifices, they were ultimately unable to achieve their goals.
The failure of the reform also warns us that in the process of reform, we must respect historical and cultural traditions and take into account the actual needs and interests of the people. At the same time, we also need to constantly sum up experience in practice, improve reform plans, and establish effective reform mechanisms to ensure the success and sustainability of reforms.
Finally, we should see the positive aspects behind the failure. The efforts and explorations of the reformers not only profoundly changed the course of Chinese history, but also had a profound impact on world history. Their ideas of focusing on middle schools and applying Western learning, emphasizing universal education, and cultivating scientific and technological talents are still of reference significance. Today, we should learn from this experience and better advance the process of modernizing our country.
Conservatism is a manifestation of human instinct, and any change is bound to face a strong challenge. However, only by taking deep root in the support of the masses, grasping the pulse of the times, and persistently putting the people first, can we make the road of reform more stable and solid. This is the most important enlightenment that the reform has given us.