The Taiping Rebellion

In this episode of In Our Time, Melvyn Bragg and a panel of historians—Rana Mitter, Frances Wood, and Julia Lovell—discuss the Taiping Rebellion, a 14-year uprising against the Qing dynasty in mid-19th century China. The discussion covers the dynasty's weakening state due to internal issues and external pressures like the Opium Wars, and introduces Hong Xiuquan, who, after failing civil service exams, claimed to be Jesus's brother and led the rebellion. The panel explores the socio-political context, the influence of Christian missionaries, and the unique blend of Christian and Confucian ideals within the Taiping movement. They further examine the military organization, key battles, and the reasons behind the rebellion's initial success and eventual suppression, including the Qing's military reforms aided by Western forces. The conversation concludes with an analysis of the rebellion's lasting impact on Chinese history, such as the seeds of military modernization, decentralization of power, and the long-term effects on the Qing dynasty.