Early 20th Century Chinese Economic Reform
be able to preserve its Confucian values even in the midst of global and domestic turmoil. It was also Confucian values and ethics that made peace possible: not as some would suggest, the adoption of Western ways of life, weapons, or worldviews. However, there was also a need to humbly accept the need for some reform. The moderate reforms that took place offered some concession to Western superiority in terms of weapons technologies. Self-strengthening depended on improving China’s ability to defend itself and thus, its traditions. It was necessary to adapt to modern Western weapons, in order to preserve the Neo-Confucian ideals… Continue Reading...
