Taiping Rebellion

Popular revolt 1851–64 that undermined China's Qing dynasty (see Manchu). By 1853 the rebels had secured control over much of the central and lower Chang Jiang valley region, instituting radical, populist land reforms. Civil war continued until 1864, when the Taipings, weakened by internal dissension, were overcome by the provincial Hunan army of Zeng Guofan and the Ever-Victorious Army, led by American F T Ward and British soldier Charles Gordon.

The rebellion was triggered by the famine of 1849–50, and was led by Hong Xiuquan (Hung Hsui-ch'an, 1813–1864). The most serious and widespread of a number of mid-19th-century rebellions, it began in the southern province of Guangxi, where the Hakka community had been partly Christianized. Hong Xiuquan declared himself to be the younger brother of Jesus Christ. Many of his followers were drawn from marginal mining, charcoal-burning, boating, and secret-society communities. Nanjing was made capital for ‘Heavenly King’ Hong Xiuquan, who committed suicide when the city came under siege.