A Brief Discussion On Liu Kun-yi And Political Situation During Westernization Movement In The Late Qing Dynasty

As a prominent official of the late Qing Dynasty, Liu Kun-yi had obviously effect on internal and foreign affairs in that age. Especially in his late years, he occupied an influential position, holding the post of governor of Jiangsu, Jiangxi and Anhui Provinces and the official of the trade and business in South China for many years. He played a significant role in many important affairs and offered his suggestions and acts, of which some even directly affected the steadiness of the political situation of the late Qing Dynasty. He took part in the Westernization Movement actively, initiated new policies, put forward many constructive reform plans and put them into effect. In the First Sino-Japanese War, as an advocator of warfare, he deployed the fighting scheme himself and commanded the fighting. Later he boldly intervened with abolishment of the Guang Xu Emperor, participated in the power struggle between reformers and diehards. In the Southeastern Mutual Defense Movement that follows, he became the key personage of the southeast, assuming personal command in southeast of China, leading the governors and inspectors, advocating the Mutual Defense Movement, he was praised"the pillar of governors"of the Qing Dynasty.The thesis paper is mainly divided into five parts. The first part is dedicated to concentrate on the activities of Liu Kun-yi and its effects New Politics Movement; in the second part, the discussion will be focused on Liu Kun-yi's advocation of warfare and his counterattacking and fighting against the Japanese invaders in the First Sino-Japanese War. The third part involves his attitude about the abolishment of Guang Xu Emperor by Ci Xi, his submission of a written statement to the central government and its effect. The fourth part is intended to conduct analyses of Liu Kun-yi's concrete activities and the essential impact in helping to bring about the Southeastern Mutual Defense Movement. The last section deals with the efforts by Liu Kun-yi for the maintenance of benefits for Qing Government during the negotiations with the Russians on the issue of the three Northeastern provinces.