Zhang Shusheng In The Internal Policy And Diplomacy In The Late Qing Dynasty (1860-1884)

In late nineteenth century, the national crisis of China became serious day by day. With the main capitalist countries stepping up to encroach upon China's border area, the Qing Dynasty had to face both internal and external crisis. Zhang Shusheng gradually became an important provincial governor of the Qing Dynasty by organizing the militia and participating in the Huai armed force clique. He had a novel and original opinion in the internal and foreign affairs, which showed his distinctive style in personality and experience in the high-ranking officials of the Westernization Clique. This not only added fuel to the flames of the new policy, but also investigated the shortcomings of the Westernization Movement. He had a very deep understanding about both Chinese and Western cultures which was less seen among his peers. Zhang performed determined resistance to foreign invasions, and dealt with the foreign affairs flexibly according to the situations. Zhang knew that China's foreign affairs were the contest of comprehensive national strength rather than contact. While working as a Chihli governor, Zhang held different political opinions against the powerful minister Li Hongzhang. Their relationship was not harmonious when they were in Huai clique and they gradually separated from each other in the political view.In the first part of the essay, the writer introduces Zhang Shusheng's thought, remarks and his unique views on the internal affairs in the late Qing Dynasty. It emphasizes on his westernizing thought and his achivements on politics, economy, military and education while working as a local officer.In the second part, the writrer studies the role that Zhang played in foreign affairs in the late Qing dynasty. At that time, Zhang always insited on maintaining the country's traditional system, fighting against foreign invasions. He dealt with the mutiny in Korean decidedly and supported the Anti-French war to help Viet Nam, which showed his diplomatic strategy and his military thought. This was a great success in his political career. In many military officers of Huai clique, Zhang was the unique one.In the third part, the writer studies the subtle relationship between Zhang and the powerful minister Li Hongzhang by combining Zhang's speeches and activities during in the period when he worked as the governor of Chilli, Guandong and Guangxi. The essay finally draws a conclusion through contrast that Zhang Shusheng was the unique politician in the last period of Qing Dynasty.