The Qing dynasty (1644–1912), the last imperial dynasty of China, ruled over a vast empire and witnessed both remarkable prosperity and severe crises. During the nineteenth century, the dynasty faced internal rebellions, foreign invasions, unequal treaties, economic decline, and administrative corruption. These challenges forced the Qing rulers to undertake a series of reforms aimed at preserving imperial rule and strengthening the state. Although many reforms were ambitious and introduced significant changes in administration, military organization, education, economy, and political institutions, they were often implemented too late or faced strong resistance from conservative officials. Consequently, the reforms failed to prevent the eventual collapse of the dynasty in 1912. The earliest major reform efforts emerged after China's defeat in the Opium Wars (1839–1842 and 1856–1860). The humiliating military defeats exposed China's technological backwardness and administrative weaknesses. At the same time, devastating internal rebellions such as the Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864), Nian Rebellion, and Muslim uprisings further weakened the empire. In response, reform-minded officials initiated the Self-Strengthening Movement, which lasted roughly from the 1860s to the 1890s. The Self-Strengthening Movement was based on the principle of "Chinese learning for essence, Western learning for practical use." Reformers believed that China should preserve Confucian values while adopting Western science, technology, and military techniques. Important leaders of this movement included Zeng Guofan, Li Hongzhang, Zuo Zongtang, and Prince Gong. Military reform was one of the primary objectives of the Self-Strengthening Movement. Modern arsenals and shipyards were established at Shanghai, Fuzhou, Tianjin, and other cities. Western firearms, artillery, and warships were imported and later manufactured domestically. Military academies trained officers according to Western methods, while selected students were sent abroad for technical education. The Beiyang Fleet was established as one of Asia's strongest naval forces during the late nineteenth century. Industrial reforms accompanied military modernization. The Qing