Evaluate the achievements of the Self-Strengthening Movement (1861–1894).

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the achievements of the Self-Strengthening Movement (1861–1894), weighing up its strengths and limitations. Achievements may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to modernization of the military, including the first modern weapons factory, new warships and engineering school; the establishment of a trade agency and a college that taught Western subjects, including languages; reform of the customs service and the promotion of shipping; coal-mining and cotton production. However, candidates may argue that change was limited by divisions at court, conservative resistance to modernization, corruption and hostility to the West. Poverty, especially in the countryside, remained deeply entrenched. Western exploitation of the Chinese economy continued. Defeat in war by the Japanese in 1895 symbolized Chinese weakness. Both strengths and limitations must be clearly indicated but there does not need to be an equal number of each.

Candidates were required to make an appraisal of the achievements of the Self-Strengthening Movement (1861–1894), weighing up its strengths and limitations. This was a popular question and responses contained a good deal of in-depth knowledge of the Self-Strengthening Movement. However, too many candidates drifted into lengthy discussions on why the movement failed rather than evaluate its achievements.