The Qing dynasty (1644–1912), the last imperial dynasty of China, initially consolidated and expanded the empire, but by the nineteenth century it faced severe internal rebellions, foreign aggression, and economic decline. These crises exposed the weaknesses of the traditional imperial system and compelled the Qing rulers to introduce a series of reforms aimed at preserving the dynasty and strengthening the state. These reforms ranged from military modernization and administrative restructuring to educational, legal, and constitutional changes. The first major phase of reform was the Self-Strengthening Movement (1861–1895), initiated after the humiliating defeats in the Opium Wars and the Taiping Rebellion. Led by officials such as Zeng Guofan, Li Hongzhang, and Zuo Zongtang, the movement sought to adopt Western military technology while preserving Confucian political and social values. The reformers promoted the establishment of modern arsenals, shipyards, and military academies. New industries such as textile mills, coal mines, and telegraph networks were developed. Diplomatic institutions, including the Zongli Yamen, were established to manage foreign relations, reflecting a gradual acceptance of international diplomacy. In the field of education, the Qing