Emperor Guangxu: A Chronicle of Figures in the Late Qing Dynasty

Author: Wang Wei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-07-01
Features: Ascended to the throne at the age of 4, becoming the 8th and 9th emperor of the Great Qing Dynasty. At the age of 17, he began a "supervisory governance," which later transitioned to "personal rule" two years later. During the First Sino-Japanese War, he strongly advocated for war. After the defeat, he approved the Treaty of Shimonoseki and issued an imperial edict expressing his hope for "the emperor and his ministers to unite in hardship and eliminate long-standing problems," as well as his determination to "strengthen the nation and resolve hidden dangers." He initiated reforms, breaking the norm to summon Kang Youwei. The Hundred Days' Reform, during which he issued an edict to establish national policies, left a profound impact on the court. The (Wuxu Coup) saw him say, "My fate is in the hands of heaven," and he became a prisoner on Liangtai Island. In his dire circumstances, he devoted himself to studying ancient texts, paying particular attention to Western literature. He spent his later years in endless grief and sorrow, passing away at a young age.