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The past semester I've been taking a course on 19th century Chinese History which I've enjoyed immensely. The overarching plot of Chinese history in the 19th century is that of the Qing Dynasty attempting to reform itself in light of western imperialism.

Though advocated almost immediately after the First Opium War, serious reform efforts did not begin until after the Second Opium War with the "Self Strengthening Movement". This movement lasted for almost 30 years but was eventually proven to be worthless with China's defeat in the Sino-Japanese War. Further attempts at reform include the "100 Days" of 1898 as well as several attempts at reform in the early 20th century.

My question is: at what point did the Qing Dynasty's attempts at reform become futile? What's the latest possible date that they could successfully bring about a revival of their dynasty prolonging it further into the 20th century?
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