Polisetti 1
Lohit Polisetti
[Link] and [Link]
GT Humanities 2A
09 December 2024
Works Cited
"Taiping Rebellion." Encyclopedia of Asian History, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1988. Gale In
Context: World History,
[Link]/apps/doc/BT2358201787/WHIC?u=j043905011&sid=bookmark-WHIC&x
id=63957d18. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
During the time of 1851-1864 the Taiping movement was in place. This movement significantly
challenged the Confusian orthodoxy, though this uprising was physically unsuccessful. This links
revolution and nationalism, because the people of the country had the nationalism to fight for
their country and the benefits of it. The idea to create a heavenly kingdom of peace(taiping
tianguo) directly correlates in having care for the country, and wanting the future of it to prosper
and grow. This caused Hong Xiequan, the leader of the Taiping movement, to act on the
widespread unemployment, rising rents, banditry, and government corruption through the
rebellion. Hong shows a sense of love for his country, which caused him to act upon the
inequalities and imperfections that the country had via rebellion.
"Reform Under the Qing Dynasty, 1800–1912." Encyclopedia of Modern China, edited by David
Pong, vol. 3, Charles Scribner's Sons, 2009, pp. 247-252. Gale In Context: World History,
[Link]/apps/doc/CX1837900492/WHIC?u=j043905011&sid=bookmark-WHIC&x
id=421ce23f. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Polisetti 2
The Qing Dynasty was faced with rampant corruption throughout the 19th century, which was
caused by the disastrous consequences of the Opium Wars and led to major domestic conflict.
The inability for the dynasty to modernize, such as failing to adopt Western weaponry, made
China vulnerable to external threats while increasing internal discontent. A series of revolts
against their power, such as the Taiping and Nian rebellions, directly challenged their rule and
exposed their failure to build a nationalistic society. The Taiping Rebellion notably put in place a
provincial military force that exerted high pressure on the Qing forces, which forced the
government to construct reforms designed toward modernization and stability. It reflected the
Qing dynasty's difficulties with corruption and governance, setting it toward its necessary
reforms.
Calkins, Laura M. "Chinese Revolutions." Encyclopedia of Western Colonialism since 1450,
edited by Thomas Benjamin, vol. 1, Macmillan Reference USA, 2007, pp. 221-224. Gale
In Context: World History,
[Link]/apps/doc/CX2587300091/WHIC?u=j043905011&sid=bookmark-WHIC&x
id=ce3d430b. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
During the time period circa 1842 to 1895, the failure of reforms in China and the humiliation
following both the Opium Wars and the Japanese Wars led to very severe political instability and
internal [Link], the Taiping Rebellion was a result of the growing doubt against
the Qing government. That particular uprising highlighted the weakness of the military and the
vulnerability of China to internal conflict. The failed reforms reflected China’s negligence
towards nationalistic reforms which provoked the Chinese people to stand up and force changes
themselves.
Polisetti 3
"Taiping Rebellion." Gale World History Online Collection, Gale, 2023. Gale In Context: World
History,
[Link]/apps/doc/CCEDOU931893272/WHIC?u=j043905011&sid=bookmark-WH
IC&xid=5a138137. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
From 1850 to 1864, the Taiping Rebellion was driven by widespread discontent with the Qing
Dynasty, fueled by corruption, famine, and poverty. Many peasants were attracted to the
movement by its promises, such as shared land and infrastructure. The uprising highlighted the
Qing's inability to act for reform and to develop its military. This failure to unify the country and
make reforms led to the [Link] Taiping Rebellion is a vivid example of how overlooking
modernization and ignoring the needs of the people can force society to make changes
themselves.
~~~
1. What is the relationship between revolution and
nationalism?Revolution emerges due to the failure of
nationalism to unify and address the needs of the people.