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The Taiping Rebellion
Known notoriously for its extreme deadliness and danger, it claimed many lives and drastic declines in agricultural production. It altered the course of Chinese history, and led to almost the collapse of the Qing Empire. -
Taiping Heavenly Kingdom
Established by Hong Xiuquan, he declared himself ruler of the Heavenly King. He believed that the Qing dynasty must be destroyed, private property should be abolished, communal wealth to share should be created, prohibit foot binding, free public education, simplification of public language, democratic government, and an industrial society. -
Taiping Rebellion begins
After the Jintian Uprising led by Hong Xiuquan, it marked the beginning of the Taiping Rebellion. -
New Capital
The Taipings captured the city of Nanjing, which soon became the capital of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. "Hong and his followers in the Society of God Worshippers took Nanjing in 1853" (Page 736). It was renamed to Tinajing. They soon diverted their attention to capturing Beijing. -
Assassination
Due to power struggles, the withdrawal of Hong Xiuquan from public affairs, and internal conflict, the Tianjing Incident resulted in the assassination of Yang Xiuqing, who was an important leader in the rebellion. -
Qing Interference
YouTube 2:47-3:19 After the Taipings assaulted Shanghai in 1860, The Qing led by Empress Dowager Cixi fought back alongside European advisors utilized European weapons in order to drive the Taiping back to Tianjing. -
"Ever Victorious Army"
When led by American Frederick Townsend and soon after British Charles Gordon, the Ever Victorious Army led a campaign against the Taiping to restore the Qing dynasty. -
Hong Xiuquan Dies
"After a lingering illness, he committed suicide in June 1864" (Page 737). The Taiping Rebellion finally came to an end, and changed Chinese history forever as it became known as one of the largest and bloodiest civil wars in the world. -
End of the Taiping Rebellion
After Qing forces finally took over Tianjing by the Taiping, other Taiping territories began to fall, and their forces began to decline which marked the end of the Taiping Rebellion.