Zeng Guofan, was a Chinese statesman, military leader, and Confucian scholar of the Late Qing Dynasty (1840-1912). He formed the Xiang Army, also known as the Hunan Army, from Hunan Province's local village militia forces. The local force was reputed for its combat power, and became the backbone of the new Qing military structure and has far-reaching implications for the rest of the country.
Zeng was one of the forward-looking officials with the dying Qing government. He spearheaded the country's new wave to usher the technological advancement of the Western world and tried to learn from the Western powers in building up a modern army and military manufacturing industry.
Zeng was also a great advocate of Confucius philosophies, trying to apply the traditional thinking to his life and politics. In addition to his military significance, he perfectly combined the essence of Confucianism, legalism and Taoism, and his philosophy is still influencing people today.