Li Hongzhang and the brief introduction of the author in the late Qing Dynasty
Li Hongzhang (October 30, 1859-March 12, 1903) was born in Liuyang, Hunan Province. He was an important politician, strategist, and diplomat at the end of the Qing Dynasty. He was known as the "First Official of the Qing Dynasty". Li Hongzhang was born in a poor family but was smart and educated since childhood. In 1876, he was admitted to Tianjin Beiyang Academy and began to receive formal military and political education. In 1882, he graduated from Beiyang Academy and was sent to Japan to study military theory and foreign affairs. During his stay in Japan, he actively participated in diplomatic activities with China and formed close friendships with Japanese diplomacy. After returning to China, Li Hongzhang began to be active on the Chinese political stage. He served as an aide to the Northern Warlords and participated in the Tianjin Religious Case and the negotiations between China and the foreign powers. In 1901, he was appointed as the foreign minister of the Qing Dynasty and began to carry out diplomatic missions. In 1904, he participated in the negotiations between China and Russia's Tsar Nicholas II and made an important contribution to the signing of the Ili treaty between China and Russia. Li Hongzhang experienced a series of political and military crises during the 40 years of the late Qing Dynasty. He actively responded to the domestic and international situation and put forward many important foreign policies and military strategies, laying the foundation for China's transformation and development. He was also an important figure in modern Chinese history, and had a far-reaching impact on modern Chinese politics, economy, culture and other aspects.