Diplomatic Envoys And Introduction Of Western Modern Military Technology In Late Qing Dynasty(1875-1895)

The diplomatic envoys in Self-Strengthing Movement period were the first group of intellectuals that went abroad in modern times of China. They were also the pioneers of Late Qing dynasty that seeked the way of making the country prosperous.During the mission time abroad, as the exchange bridge between China and foreign countries, they actively purchased military warships, guns, ammunition and other weapons, employed foreign military and technical personnel, participated in military foreign students management, translated military and technical books. Besides, they gave decision makers in China a detailed introduction of western modern military technology through memorials, diaries, correspondence, etc. These positive behaviors objectively promoted the development of military enterprises, the training transformation of modern army and the change of social"View on sprits and material"in late Qing Dynasty. However, the general mood in Self-Strengthing Movement period was still quite stagnant and the negative influence of the traditional thinking is still very common. There is a lack of macro consideration and complete schedule for late Qing government during the process of western modern military technology introduction. Eager for instant success, late Qing government just hold the idea of"look up matter. Look down technology". Under this circumstance, there were inevitably historical limitations for the envoys'introduction of western modern military technology.