Hundred Days' Reform

Ambitious Westernizing reform programme in China 1898. It sought the modernization of the civil service, the establishment of a national assembly or parliament, and the adoption of a constitutional monarchy. The programme was instigated by scholar-gentry officials, notably Kang Youwei (1858-1927), with the support of Emperor Guangxu (ruled 1875-1908), who attempted to wrest power from Empress Dowager Zi Xi. Her conservative backers rescinded the reforms after 103 days and launched a palace coup, imprisoning Guangxu and forcing Kang Youwei into exile.