The basic objectives of this book are twofold. First explain the growth of semi-personal armies and the rise of militarists to a position which permitted them to seize power upon the breakdown of the monarchical system. Secondly to trace the modernization of the land forces of the Chinese Empire and to evaluate the degree of progress that was attained -- adapted from page 4.

The Chinese armies prior to 1895 --The creation of the new-style armies, 1895-1897 -- The hundred days and Boxer Rebellion, 1898-1900 -- Military modernization under the Empress-Dowager, 1901-1903 -- Military and administrative reform, 1904-1906 -- Progress in military training, 1904-1906 -- The collapse of the old order, 1907-1911 -- The army and the revolution of 1911.