The Chinese reform movement of 1898 or `The Hundred Day Reform' as it is better known, was a reaction to the increasing influence of European colonialism in Mainland China. This foreign invasion was intensified during the period known as the `scramble for concessions'. This period highlighted the need for rapid institutional reform in the form of westernisation. This, in part, was the reason for this movement's failure. It was a hasty reaction to reinstate the nation's prestige rather than a well planned gradual process of reform. The haste in which the rebellion was organised gave rise to much opposition to the regime and ultimately its chances of success.

The political and administerial inexperience of the reformer's leaders, K'ang Yu-wei and Liang Ch'i-ch'ao in particular, led to the mismanagement of the regime. Neither of them had any previous experience in administration, furthermore their knowledge of Western institutions was extremely limited...