The Tongzhi Restoration refers to a period of political and social reform in the late Qing Dynasty, specifically during the reign of Emperor Tongzhi from 1861 to 1875. This era aimed to strengthen China against foreign powers and internal strife following the humiliating defeats in the Opium Wars. The reforms focused on modernizing the military, improving education, and promoting industrial development. Key figures in the Tongzhi Restoration included Li Hongzhang and Zeng Guofan, who advocated for adopting Western technology and methods. Despite some successes, the restoration ultimately faced challenges, including corruption and resistance from conservative factions, leading to limited long-term impact on China's modernization efforts.