Li Hongzhang, One of the Four Famous Ministers of ZTE

Li Hongzhang (1823-1901), an important official in the late Qing Dynasty, the founder and commander of the Huai Army and the Beiyang Navy, one of the main leaders of the Westernization Movement, and one of the "Four Famous Officials of the ZTE" together with Zeng Guofan, Zuo Zongtang, and Zhang Zhidong. His life almost ran through the most turbulent, humiliating and arduous years in the entire modern history of China. His merits and demerits are still an important topic of in-depth discussion in the field of history. This book is based on rigorous historical facts and strives to comprehensively and objectively show the true appearance and ups and downs of this complex historical figure's political career. It details the key role it played in forming the Huai Army and suppressing civil strife such as the Taiping Rebellion and the Nian Army Uprising, and won the "Tongzhi Zhongxing" situation for the precarious Qing Dynasty. Focus on his practice and limitations as the core promoter of the Westernization Movement. Systematically introduces his process of founding China's modern chemical industry, transportation and communications enterprises such as Jiangnan Manufacturing General Administration, Jinling Machinery Bureau, Steamship Investment Promotion Bureau, Kaiping Mining Bureau, Shanghai Machine Weaving Layout, Tianjin Telegraph General Administration, etc., As well as his efforts to establish the modern navy Beiyang Navy, revealing his ambition of "self-improvement" and "seeking wealth" and the dilemma of the times. An in-depth analysis of his difficult situation, negotiation strategies, considerations of gains and losses, and historical responsibilities as the chief diplomat of the Qing government in a series of major diplomatic events in modern times. It shows the helplessness and controversy of being a "pastor" in the diplomacy of weak countries. Discuss its complex political network, its position in the high-level power structure of the Qing court, its relationship with the Empress Dowager Cixi, and its political skills and use of power. An objective evaluation of his historical achievements and major faults presents a tragic figure who strives to make a difference amid the great changes of the times, but cannot escape the limitations of history. This book goes beyond simple praise and criticism, and is based on detailed historical materials. It places Li Hongzhang against the grand background of internal and external troubles, and the fierce collision between tradition and modernity in the late Qing Dynasty, and examines the profound interaction between his personal choices and the current of the times. By sorting out his magnificent and controversial life, "Four Famous Officials of ZTE: Li Hongzhang" aims to provide readers with a key and profound perspective to understand the difficult start of China's modernization, the decline of the Qing Dynasty, and the logic of thoughts and actions of the elites of that particular era.