The Westernization Movement, also known as the self-improvement movement, refers to the improvement movement of "learning from foreigners to control foreigners" initiated by the Westernization School all over the country from 186 1 (Xianfeng started at the end of October) to 1894. After the two Opium Wars, the ruling class of the Qing government was divided into "Westernization School" and "Old School" on how to solve a series of problems of internal and external troubles. The Westernization School advocated developing new industries, enhancing national strength and maintaining the feudal rule of the Qing government. But also laid a certain foundation for China's modernization.

Beiyang navy is the best. 1888, beiyang fleet was formally established, with 25 warships and more than 4,000 officers and men, with Ding, the general of Huai Army, as the prefect. At the same time, two naval bases, Lushunkou and Ahava, were completed, and the construction of the whole Beiyang coastal defense system was declared complete. Li Hongzhang proudly said: Beiyang Navy has a "strong momentum" ... it can be stationed in Liaoning and Bohai, and it can also be supported in other places, supplemented by the stationing of various artillery companies, which is enough to defend Gyeonggi. "

In order to meet the needs of the Westernization Movement, the Westernization School also held some new schools, such as Shi Jing Wentong Museum and Fuzhou Ship Administration School, to train translators, military personnel and scientific and technological personnel. First, several groups of international students were sent abroad for further study.

Started the modernization of China's navy.