Kang Youwei and the Modernization of China

Abstract

Nineteenth century China was a time of turmoil. Facing both internal and external threats, Intellectuals in late nineteenth century China had their own interpretation toward the fate of China. Intellectuals were debating the most fundamental questions: what is the role of Confucianism in China' future. Western audiences in 1960s and 1970s commonly believed that Confucianism itself is an obstacle for China to modernize, since modern China eventually did not put emphasis on Confucianism and its social structures. However, Kang You wei was one of intellectuals in nineteenth century China who tried to change Qing China into a constitutional monarchy that put emphasis on Confucianism institution. This URCAS presentation tries to show Kang You wei' effort of preserving Chinese tradition and maintaining Confucian institution, by analyzing Kang's primary sources. Therefore, this president hopes to give a clearer picture to the audiences about China's struggle in modernization and major factors in its failures of preserving Confucian institutions.