Evaluation (Political aspect)

• First step towards political modernization:

  • The introduction of constitutional monarchy was the core of the Late Qing Reform.
  • The power of the emperor was limited by constitution.
• First step towards political modernization:

  • According to the Outline of Constitution, people were granted freedom of speech, publication, assembly, etc.
  • New democratic institutions were created to prepare for the full realization of a constitutional system in 1917.
• First step towards political modernization:

  • Provincial assemblies were set up as local advisory institutions.
  • The establishment of provincial assemblies introduced an unprecedented electoral system in China.
  • In 1909, the first election was held in provincial assemblies.
  • Many local leaders were elected representatives.
• First step towards political modernization:

  • In 1910, a National Assembly was convened, with half the members selected by provincial assemblies.
  • The National Assembly became a model for a parliament.
• Political reforms lacked sincerity:

  • The insincere political reforms disappointed many intellectuals.
  • Although the Qing government set up 11 new ministries to replace the Six Boards, it was only a measure of old wine in new bottles with modern names.
  • The composition of officials and the way they worked were more or less the same.
• Political reforms lacked sincerity:

  • The Outline of Constitution granted the emperor with supreme power.
  • For example, the emperor controlled administrative, legislative and military power.
  • The intellectuals were also disappointed with the long period of preparation for constitutional changes and considered constitutional reforms only as an instrument used by the Manchus to centralize political power.
• Political reforms lacked insincerity:

  • 7 out of 13 members in the cabinet carrying out constitutional reform were Manchu nobles, the cabinet was also known as the 'Royal Cabinet'.
  • The Han Chinese were only given 4 seats.
  • Such an arrangement reflected the insincerity of the Manchus in sharing power with the Han Chinese.
• Political reforms lacked sincerity:

  • Besides, only about 0.4% of the population could vote in elections for provincial assemblies.
  • Half of the members in the National Assembly were appointed by the Qing government.
  • Also, the provincial assemblies and the National Assembly only had consultative functions.
  • All the above examples show that the Qing government only aimed at prolonging the Manchu rule instead of establishing a democratic system.
• Political reforms helped spread revolutionary ideas:

  • Election was held in provincial assemblies in 1909.
  • The people had a taste of democracy and therefore, demanded for more political rights.
• Political reforms helped spread revolutionary ideas:

  • The setting up of provincial assemblies provided people with a good opportunity to criticize the Qing government's policies.
  • For instance, in 1909, some of the provincial representatives pressurized the government jointly to fasten the pace of setting up the National Assembly.
  • All the above examples show that the political reform provided people with channels to express their discontent and fostered the spread of revolutionary ideas.