The Hundred Days' Reform was a critical reformative effort led by Guangxu Emperor in an attempt to reverse China’s decline and enhance its competitiveness on a global scale. Initiated in June 1898, the reforms included measures to modernize China’s educational system, replace the traditional Confucian civil service examinations with a system that integrated Western subjects, and implement legislative reforms to strengthen the central government. Influenced by reformist thinkers like Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao, the movement aimed to adapt Western technologies and concepts, believing that modernization was essential for the survival of the Qing dynasty amidst foreign encroachment.

However, the ambitious reforms faced immense pushback from conservative factions within the Qing court, particularly from Empress Dowager Cixi, who supported traditional Confucian values and was wary of the proposed changes. As reformist edicts were rolled out, Cixi acted decisively to curtail the reforms, leading to their suspension just 104 days later. The stringent measures implemented by Cixi included imprisoning Guangxu Emperor and those associated with the reforms, thereby quashing hopes for modern transformation within China.

Although the reforms were short-lived, their partial implementation demonstrated the desire among certain segments of Chinese society for progressive change. This conflict between reformers and conservatives highlighted the broader struggles within China during a time of internal strife and external pressure from foreign powers. The failure of the Hundred Days' Reform ultimately paved the way for further radical changes in the early 20th century, including the eventual abolition of the civil service examination in 1905 and the rise of revolutionary movements.