September 21 - End of the Hundred Days Reform

In September 1898, the Empress Dowager Ci Xi staged a coup against the Emperor, ending his reign and his "Hundred Days Reforms."

The Hundred Days reform was initiated in June 1898 by the Qing Emperor Guangxu in response to the declining infrastructure of the Empire. Although China had already made several attempts to modernize, especially in military technology, it was not enough. Just earlier, China was defeated by Japan in the Sino-Japanese War, which seriously lost face for the Qing. The reforms of Guangxu aimed at increased modernization, increasing national defense, brininging in more western education, choking corruption, internal contruction, and reformed government structure. More radical propositions included a parliamentary government for China, which would effectively make the empire a constitutional monarchy.

Unfortunately, the plan was over-ambitious. Few reforms were able to materialize from mere propositions. In addition, the Manchu elites were decidedly conservative against the reforms. Eventually, the Empress Dowager Ci Xi intervened, engineering a coup in September 21 that imprisoned her nephew the Emperor. With this action, Ci Xi, notorious for her mishandling of the administration, once again returned to absolute power.

In many ways, the reforms caused a backfire. Instead of "modernizing," the government became more conservative, and its view toward the west degraded.

Other Events:

1745 - Jacobites defeat the Hanoverians in the battle of Prestonpans.

454 - Aetius, "last of the Romans" is assasinated by the order of the Emperor Valentinian III.


Edited by Imperator Invictus

Aetius, the one who was able to stand up to Attila. Yes, a pity.

It is pathetic that a man would disrespect such a great and loyal man because of a slighted ego. Reminds me of Belisarius and Justinian. Thankfully they patched things up before that relationship turned too sour.