Empress Dowager Cixi, who had long exercised power in Qing Dynasty China, took decisive action to quell the reformist ambitions of the Guangxu Emperor, her nephew. The Hundred Days' Reform was initiated by the emperor in June 1898, aiming to modernize China in various aspects including education, military, and government. However, this reform agenda faced staunch opposition from conservative elements within the imperial court, who viewed such changes as threats to their political clout and traditional Chinese values. By September, the dissent grew more pronounced, culminating in a coup led by Cixi with the support of conservative officials. Cixi's intervention led to a swift suppression of the reform movement, resulting in the arrest of leading reformers and the restoration of conservative policies.

Following the coup, Cixi placed the Guangxu Emperor under house arrest and effectively ruled as the de facto monarch of China. This marked a return to a more traditional governance structure, sidelining modernizing sentiments among the Qing elites. The events shattered the hopes of many who advocated for reform, marking a significant pivot back to conservatism during a crucial time when China faced external pressures and internal turmoil. The coup symbolized the ongoing struggle between reformist and conservative factions, which would continue to influence Chinese politics for years to come.