The Taiping Rebellion was a semi-successful political uprising that weakened the Qing dynasty and created both the Chinese communist and Nationalist parties, but failed in completely ending the Qing Dynasty's corrupt rule.
Political
The Taiping Rebellion desired far-ranging political reform in China, their goal being to over throw the Qing Dynasty's government. At the max of the rebellion two thirds of the land of China was under Taiping control. In 1853 Hong and his army had captured the Yangzi valley and the great city of Nanjing renaming it Tianjing or “Heavenly Capital" .The rebellion forces were almost successful in taking over Beijing but the Qing forces were able to fight back which prevented the Taiping from advancing any further. The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty standing but their desire to continue to follow Chinese cultures is what encouraged the rebellion. Hong Xiuquan's Christianity and western beliefs are what introduced the ideas of possible republic and communist parties in the future. Hong's desire to achieve too much is what prevented the rebels from every fully taking down the Chinese imperialism. But although it may be deemed as a failure, The Qing dynasty was so weakened by the land successes by the rebellion that it never again was able to establish security over the country again.
Economic
The economy of China before the rebellion followed the stereotype that as the rich get richer than the poor get poor. The market for China was over priced and applied heavy taxes that most of the lower classes were never able to afford. Along with that great rent fees were expected to be paid by most farming peasants. Property being bought by officials, were not expected to pay the same tax burden as the commoner. By doing this, tax burdens increased on the peasants in order to compensate for the revenue being loss on the land. Also the British East India Company were practically in control of the entire market system in China. Although the rebellion was never able to successfully take down the Qing Dynasty, their start lead to a lot of encouragement. It started movements for westernization and beneficial reforms. These ideas and beliefs are what lead to advancements in new technology and the industry to mix in with Chinese culture.
Social
The Taiping Rebellion had many effects on the daily lives of the people in China. During the rebellion, the people under the Taiping’s control lived lives highly influenced by Taiping Christianity. Under this religion, worship and obedience were mandatory while foot binding, prostitution, slavery, smoking, adultery, gambling, and alcohol were all prohibited. Today the effects of the Taiping Rebellion still linger in China. A more simple version of traditional Chinese arose. Equality between men and women was decreed, and while some of that has faded inequality between men and women is still relatively low. Overall the Taiping Rebellion was a civil war for the people, led by the people.
Works Cited
- "Taiping Rebellion." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2017.
- "Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864) | Asia for Educators | Columbia University." Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864) | Asia for Educators | Columbia University. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2017.
- "Exploring Chinese History :: Politics :: Rebellion and Revolution :: The Taiping Rebellion." Exploring Chinese History :: Politics :: Rebellion and Revolution :: The Taiping Rebellion. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2017.
- "Taiping Rebellion 1850 - 1864." Taiping Rebellion 1850 - 1864. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Mar. 2017.
- "Emergence Of Modern China: II." Modern Era: II. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Mar. 2017.