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 Her conservative backers rescinded the reforms after 103 days and launched a palace coup, imprisoning Guangxu and forcing Kang Youwei into exile.