To what extent was Cixi the most significant obstacle to the success of the Self-Strengthening Movement?

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that Cixi was the most significant obstacle to the success of the Self-Strengthening Movement. While other relevant factors may be referred to, a significant amount of the response will remain focused on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement. Candidates may argue that Cixi was anti-foreign, corrupt and conservative in nature and that her actions during the Self Strengthening Movement demonstrated her fear of losing any authority within the court. However, some candidates may argue that Cixi was used as a scapegoat for the failure of the reforms and that there was in fact a general lack of support for the reforms within the court but also amongst the bureaucrats, scholars and farmers. Candidates may also suggest other reasons for the movement’s failure such as strong regionalism which prevented any national developments.