论同文馆之争与洋务运动的困境

Study on Debate about Beijing Translation School and Dilemmas of Westernization Movement

1867年的同文馆之争是洋务派与顽固派就洋务运动进行的一次较为激烈的争论。争论开始于奕等人要求在同文馆内增设天文、算学馆并招收科甲正途出身者入馆学习这一提议。顽固派认为洋务派这一提议有违于传统治国之道,事实上则是担心洋务运动的深入发展会危及自身的政治地位。慈禧太后的态度及其产生的作用则更多地表现为对洋务运动的阻碍。虽然从表面上看争论以洋务派的胜利告终,但是这次争论反映了在晚清政治背景下,洋务派在深入推进洋务运动这一问题上所面临的强大阻力。

In 1867, there was a bitter argument on the Westernization Movement aroused between the Westernization Group and the Conservatives, historically called the Debate about Beijing Translation School. The dispute originated from the proposal, urged by Yixin and his followers, of establishing Astronomy and Arithmetic Department in the school and enrolling students who passed imperial competitive examination. The Conservatives believed the proposal of the Westernization Group was contrary to the traditional way of governing the nation. The Conservatives＇ worry about the proposal was, in fact, the afraid of their political status being threatened with the further developing of the Westernization Movement. Empress Dowager Cixi＇s attitude to the proposal and its influence were mainly reflected on setting obstacles to the Westernization Movement. Although the Westernization Group won the argument seemingly, the argument reflected the strong resistance the Westemization Group faced in further pushing the Westernization Movement under the political background of Late Qing Dynasty.