Describe the internal dissent and approached to reform of the late qing rulers
- As the government tried to deal with outside forces, it was facing internal rebellion
- Experienced serious domestic turmoil, as peasants were ready to rebel, dissidents struggled for reform
- Population growth strained chinese resources
- large scale revolts reflected the increasing poverty
- Wealthy people opposed reform that might threaten their status
- Chinas ruling elites developed reform programs to maintain social order and preserve the qing dynasty
- Although the reforms had little effect and by the 19th century china was very weakened
Hong Xiuquan
- Grew up in a poor family in China
- Believed that God had called him to charge a new order, one that called for the destruction of the Qing dynasty
- Provided both inspiration and leadership for the Taiping rebellion
- Gained a lot of support and followers known as the Taipings
- Led about 10,000 followers in rebellion on the Qing Dynasty
Taiping Rebellion
- Most dangerous rebellion which was throughout most of china and brought the Qing dynasty to the brink of collapse
- the radical reform appealed to many people, including the abolition of private property, creation of communal wealth, the prohibition of foot binding, free public education, and simplification of the written language
- some taiping leaders called for the establishment of democratic political institutions and the building of an industrial society
- At least 20 million people died, mainly civilians, in one of the deadliest military conflicts in history
- Hong established the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom with its capital at Nanjing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HcW8uAQrBw