What caused the Taiping Revolution?

Answer 1

Taiping Rebellion 1850-64, revolt against the Ch'ing (Manchu) dynasty of China. Perhaps the most important event in 19th-century China, it was led by Hung Hsiu-ch'üan, a visionary from Guangdong who evolved a political creed influenced by elements of Christianity. His object was to found a new dynasty, the Taiping [great peace]. Strong discontent with the Chinese government brought him many adherents, especially among the poorer classes, and the movement spread with great violence through the eastern valley of the Chang River. The rebels captured Nanjing in 1853 and made it their capital. The Western powers, who at first sympathized with the movement, soon realized that the Ch'ing dynasty might collapse and with it foreign trade. They offered military help and led the Ever-Victorious Army, which protected Shanghai from the Taipings. The Taipings, weakened by strategic blunders and internal dissension, were finally defeated by new provincial armies led by Tseng Kuo-fan and Li Hung-chang.

Bibliography: See J. M. Callery and M. Yvan, History of the Insurrection in China (tr. 1853, repr. 1969); W. J. Hail, Tseng Kuo-fan and the Taiping Rebellion (1927, repr. 1964); E. P. Boardman, Christian Influence upon the Ideology of the Taiping Rebellion, 1851-1864 (1952); F. H. Michael, The Taiping Rebellion (3 vol., 1966-71).

Answer 2

The Taiping Rebellion was led by Hong Xiuquan, a disappointed civil service examinee, who believed he was the brother of Jesus Christ. Hong claimed God told him to rid the world of demons and create a heavenly kingdom on earth. Many Chinese were unhappy with the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) and were eager to follow Hong.

The Qing Dynasty was facing economic troubles and had recently lost the first Opium War (1839-1842). Hong's message came at the right time. In 1853 Hong's forces captured Nanjing and renamed the city "The Capital of Heaven" (Tianjin), slaughtering thousands of civilians in the process. The Taiping armies took the lower Yangtze area, and attempted to take Beijing, but failed.

Eventually internal strife and unfulfilled promises led to the downfall of the Taiping. In 1864 Hong poisoned himself as Qing forces marched on Nanjing. The Tiaping Rebellion was over, but fighting did not cease until 1871, when the last Taiping army was routed. After the 15 year war had ended some 20 million people had lost their lives.

Answer 3

I don't know. That's why im asking the internet.