Change of Time and Formation of Westernization Thought

This chapter will introduce the origin and formation of the thoughts on the Westernization Movement in modern China history. Elites who led the reform played important roles in the process of the modernization of China and other developing countries. The reason is that these countries are forced to make choices regarding their fates in the absence of modernization. The following outlines real and logical situations. First, most people cannot view their historical context from the perspective of the entire world; thus, only those in the upper class can consciously assume the responsibilities of a nation’s fate. Second, as society is far from being aware of the whole context, the modern salvation of the nation is carried out by the upper class. Third, as traditional conservatives enjoy great power, they must rely on the modern power elites to obtain the forced input and support. Finally, as the power of civil society is weak and scattered, only political leaders with a modern inclination assume the roles of drivers and propellers. In the process of China’s modernization, 1860 is especially significant. In this period, a series of historical events occurred: a leading group embarked on the reform, a leading agency carried out the reform, and a principle mobilizing the reform emerged in China’s political arena to initiate the Westernization Movement.