Self-Strengthening Movement
A dominant issue for the leaders of the Self-Strengthening Movement was attempting to determine the internal catalyst for the weakness of the Celestial Empire. Political leader, Feng Guifeng suggested that the failure of the Celestial Empire was due to the absence of economic, political, cultural, as well as social development in China. In order to overcome the shortcomings of the Celestial Empire, Feng Guifeng prompted the insertion of western technology to redefine Chinese nationalism. The leaders of the Self-strengthening movement, then introduced a vital sub-movement of modernization in order to promote industry, military force, commerce, agriculture and education. This modernization measure was reflective of the strengths found within the western world. Modern factories and schools were introduced, and Chinese students were prompted to be sent abroad to study. Western technologies were therefore introduced to China in order to redefine the Celestial Empire; therefore, uplifting Chinese nationalism.