The Chinese general and statesman Tso Tsung-t'ang (1812-1885) was one of China's leading military figures during the latter half of the 19th century.

Beginning with the Taiping Rebellion in 1850, it became increasingly clear to a small group of Chinese civilian and military officials that China would have to adopt some of the attributes of the West, especially the military techniques, if it hoped to preserve the dynasty and its traditional culture. This group came to be known as the "Self-strengtheners," and Tso Tsung-t'ang was one of the leaders.

Tso Tsung-t'ang was born on Nov. 10, 1812, in Hsiangyin, Hunan. As his family was moderately well off, Tso's education began at an early age. He obtained a chu-jen (the second-highest academic degree) in 1832, but after three unsuccessful attempts to qualify for the chin-shih (the highest academic degree)--the last in 1838--he gave up. From 1840 to 1848 he served as a teacher to...