To what extent was Prince Gong successful in reforming and modernizing China?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that Prince Gong was successful in reforming and modernizing China. They may contextualize Gong within the Tongzhi Restoration and Self-Strengthening Movement. Candidates may refer to his creation of the Zongli Yamen and the Tongwenguan, and his support for sending educational missions abroad. They may also identify that he encouraged new approaches to military training, the manufacture of western-style weapons and reform of the navy. Candidates may also consider Gong’s relationship with Cixi, with whom he fell out of favour in 1865, 1874 and 1884 and the effect on his power and influence. These need not all be covered or covered equally. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example candidates may balance Gong’s contribution against those of other reformers, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that Prince Gong was successful in reforming and modernizing China. A popular question. There were some excellent responses to this question. However, many candidates seemed unclear on the specific actions of Prince Gong and so their responses lacked a clear focus on the specific demands of the question. Most candidates were able to write in-depth about the other key reformers of the Self-Strengthening Movement but seemed less sure of the role of Prince Gong.