Judging from the social influence at that time, Li Hongzhang’s influence was even greater.

Both Li Hongzhang and Zuo Zongtang started their careers following Zeng Guofan in quelling the Taiping Rebellion. However, after Zeng Guofan's death, it was Li Hongzhang who was recognized in the court as succeeding Zeng Guofan as the leader of Westernization. During the Tongguang New Deal at that time, Li Hongzhang's influence was very important. He launched a movement like Western learning in various fields. He founded companies in all major fields of the Qing Dynasty at that time, and he also actively integrated with the West in key areas such as armament strategy.

Li Hongzhang has outstanding diplomatic talents. If Zuo Zongtang also participated in the founding of the Westernization Movement, Li Hongzhang’s influence in diplomacy should be completely overshadowed by Zuo Zongtang. At that time, Western society called Li Ge Laohe Bismarck of Germany and Grant of the United States are the three elders of the world. It can be seen that Li Hongzhang's influence is not only on China, but also on the world. The Russian Czar requested Li Hongzhang to visit Russia by name. Several years later, Liang Qichao still called Li Hongzhang in his "The Biography of Li Hongzhang" He is the first person in ancient and modern times at home and abroad.