Taiping Rebellion

Open-ended questions
Questions:

1. What were the main causes of the Taiping uprising in China?

2. How did Tan Chung criticize the dynastic cycle theory proposed
by Fairbank?
3. What was the significance of the Taiping movement’s reform
program?
4. What was the role of Hung in the Taiping movement?
5. How did the Taiping administration organize its governance?

Answers:

1. The main causes of the Taiping uprising included the general

decline of the Manchus, who were considered outsiders, their
inability to defend China against Western aggression,
administrative corruption, economic suffering, opium addiction, and
a weak military. The peasants were heavily taxed, especially after
China’s defeat in the first opium war, which further exacerbated
their miserable conditions.

2. Tan Chung criticized Fairbank’s dynastic cycle theory by arguing

that it was prejudiced and inadequate. He accused western
historians of maintaining a biased attitude towards Asian nations,
suggesting that they viewed events in Asia as cyclic and repetitive,
rather than recognizing the unique developments and changes that
occurred in Chinese society.

3. The Taiping movement’s reform program was significant because

it aimed to establish equality among the population, particularly for
peasants. It emphasized the nationalization of land, the confiscation
of large landlords’ properties, and the provision of equal rights. The
program also included the concept of universal brotherhood and
aimed to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people.
4. Hung became the political head of the Taiping movement and
announced the establishment of the Taiping dynasty, referring to his
kingdom as Taiping Tien Kuo, meaning ‘heavenly kingdom of great
peace.’ He embarked on a comprehensive reform program that
transformed the Taiping movement into a socio-economic
movement, aiming to overthrow the Manchus and restore China’s
lost prestige.

5. The Taiping administration was organized through six

committees, which consisted of units of families. Each cooperative
society was made up of 25 families that managed cultivation and
harvesting. The administration combined civil, military, and
religious functions into a single system, and it mandated that all
healthy men and women between the ages of 16-50 work as
cultivators.

Questions:

1. What were the consequences of the Taiping uprising on the

Chinese population and society?
2. What was the Taiping movement’s stance on land ownership
and agricultural practices?
3. How did the Taiping movement address issues of gender and
social equality?
4. What was the impact of the Opium War on the Taiping
uprising?
5. What was the relationship between the Taiping movement and
Confucianism?

Answers:

1. The Taiping uprising resulted in large-scale loss of human life and

significant social upheaval. It affected 16 out of 18 provinces in
China until its suppression in 1864. The movement aimed to address
the imbalance of land and population ratio, and although it did not
succeed in its main aim, it highlighted the plight of the agrarian
population and the need for reform.

2. The Taiping movement believed that all land belonged to the

state and required all healthy men and women between the ages of
16-50 to work as cultivators. They confiscated lands from big
landlords and aimed to establish a system where peasants only kept
enough crops for their survival, with the surplus going to the state
treasury.

3. The Taiping movement aimed to emancipate women and establish

equality within society. It prohibited practices such as opium use
and adultery, and its reforms were recognized for promoting
women’s rights and addressing social injustices, which prepared the
ground for future movements in China.

4. The Opium War significantly weakened the Manchu government,

leading to increased taxation and economic suffering among the
population. The defeat exposed the Manchus’ inability to defend
China against Western powers, creating a ripe environment for
revolts like the Taiping uprising, which sought to overthrow the
Manchu rule.

5. The Taiping movement criticized certain aspects of traditional

Confucian beliefs, particularly the worship of ancestral shrines.
Hung, the leader of the movement, combined elements of
Christianity with Chinese religious beliefs, leading to the
establishment of the Society of God Worshippers, which aimed to
reform society based on his vision.

Questions:

1. What were the main causes of the Taiping uprising in China?

2. What was the significance of the Taiping movement in Chinese
history?
3. How did the Taiping regime approach land ownership and
agricultural practices?
4. Describe the administrative structure of the Taiping regime.
5. What were some of the reforms introduced by the Taiping
movement?

Answers:

1. The main causes of the Taiping uprising included the general

decline of the Manchus, who were seen as outsiders, their inability
to defend China against Western aggression, administrative
corruption, economic suffering, and the heavy taxation imposed on
the agrarian population, which worsened after China’s defeat in the
first opium war.

2. The Taiping movement is significant in Chinese history as it

represented a major socio-economic revolution that aimed to
overthrow the Manchu dynasty and establish a government that
could restore China’s lost prestige. It also laid the groundwork for
future reform movements in China, highlighting issues such as
women’s emancipation and the prohibition of opium.

3. The Taiping regime believed that all land belonged to the state
and required all healthy men and women between the ages of 16-50
to work as cultivators. They confiscated lands from big landlords for
common use, and peasants were expected to keep only what was
necessary for their survival, with the surplus going to the state
treasury.

4. The Taiping administration was run through six committees, each

consisting of units of families. Twenty-five families formed a
cooperative society responsible for cultivation and harvesting, with
a head of society overseeing the process. The regime combined
civil, military, and religious functions into a single administrative
system.

5. The Taiping movement introduced several reforms, including the

emancipation of women, the prohibition of opium and adultery, and
the establishment of a system that aimed for equality through the
nationalization of property. These reforms were aimed at addressing
the social and economic issues faced by the population.

Questions:

1. What were the main causes of the Taiping uprising?

2. What was the Taiping movement’s approach to land ownership
and agriculture?
3. How did the Taiping regime aim to establish equality among its
people?
4. What was the significance of the Taiping uprising in Chinese
history?
5. What was Hung Hsiu-ch’uan’s vision that led to the
establishment of the Taiping society?
 6. What was the impact of the Taiping movement on the
provinces of China?
7. What was the role of the Taiping committees in their
administrative system?
8. How did the Taiping movement view the concept of
brotherhood?
9. What criticisms did Tan Chung have regarding the dynastic
cycle theory proposed by Fairbank?

Answers:

1. The main causes of the Taiping uprising included the general

decline of the Manchus, who were considered outsiders in China,
administrative corruption, economic suffering, opium addiction, and
a weak military. The Manchu rulers had become weak and were
unable to defend China against Western aggression, which was
further exposed by China’s defeat in the first opium war.

2. The Taiping movement believed that all land belonged to the

state, and all healthy men and women between the ages of 16-50
were required to work as cultivators. They confiscated lands from
big landlords for common use, and peasants were expected to keep
only what was essential for their existence, with the rest going to
the state treasury.

3. The Taiping regime aimed to establish equality by nationalizing

property and redistributing land. They organized society into
cooperative units of families, where surplus food was deposited in
government storages, and they encouraged handicraft industries to
increase state income.

4. Although the Taiping uprising was not successful in its main aim
of overthrowing the Manchu dynasty, it holds an important place in
Chinese history as it prepared the ground for future movements. Its
reforms, such as emancipating women and prohibiting opium and
adultery, were praised in foreign accounts of the period.

5. Hung Hsiu-ch’uan claimed to have had visions while in a delirious

state, where he saw God and Jesus Christ, who referred to him as
their younger brother. This led him to become a Christian convert
and to establish the Taiping society, which initially started as a
religious movement before transforming into a political movement
aimed at overthrowing the Manchu dynasty.

6. The Taiping movement affected 16 out of 18 provinces in China

until its suppression in 1864, leading to a situation where there
were virtually two parallel governments running in China, with the
Manchus in Peking and the Taiping in Nanking.

7. The Taiping administration was run through six committees,

which consisted of units of families. These committees formed
cooperative societies that took care of an area, with the head of the
society assisting in cultivation and harvesting, and all surplus food
being deposited in government storages.

8. The Taiping movement believed in the concept of universal

brotherhood, viewing the members of the Taiping kingdom as part
of a large family. This ideology was reflected in their policies and
social structure.

9. Tan Chung criticized Fairbank’s dynastic cycle theory as being

prejudiced and inadequate. He accused western historians of
maintaining a biased attitude towards Asian nations, suggesting
that they viewed events in Asia as cyclic and changeless, failing to
recognize the development and changes occurring in society.

Questions:

1. What were the socio-economic conditions in China that

contributed to the Taiping uprising, and how did these
conditions affect the peasantry?
2. Describe the dual government structure that existed in China
during the Taiping uprising and its implications for
governance.
3. How did the Taiping movement’s ideology differ from
traditional Chinese beliefs, and what elements did it
incorporate from Christianity?
4. What were the key features of the Taiping reform program, and
how did they aim to address social inequalities?
5. What criticisms did Tan Chung raise against the interpretation
of the Taiping movement by Western historians, and what was
his perspective on the nature of historical events in Asia?
Answers:

1. The socio-economic conditions in China leading to the Taiping

uprising included a significant agrarian population suffering from
heavy taxation, especially after the opium war, which increased the
tax burden due to the indemnity the Manchu government had to
pay. The majority of land was owned by landlords, leaving poorer
sections to work as agricultural laborers. This miserable condition of
the peasantry, combined with administrative corruption and
economic suffering, created a ripe environment for revolt.

2. During the Taiping uprising, there were virtually two parallel

governments in China: the Manchu government with its capital in
Peking and the Taiping government with its headquarters in
Nanking. This dual structure led to a significant loss of revenue for
the Manchu government, as they were unable to collect taxes from
the provinces controlled by the Taiping forces. The existence of two
competing governments created instability and further complicated
the governance of China during this tumultuous period.

3. The Taiping movement’s ideology differed from traditional

Chinese beliefs by emphasizing concepts such as universal
brotherhood and equality, which were not central to Confucianism.
Hung Hsiu-ch’uan, the leader of the Taiping movement, incorporated
elements of Christianity into his beliefs, claiming to have had
visions of God and Jesus Christ. While he condemned certain aspects
of traditional Chinese worship, he also retained some elements of
Chinese beliefs, creating a unique blend that sought to reform
society.

4. The key features of the Taiping reform program included the

nationalization of land, where all land was considered state
property, and the redistribution of land to ensure that peasants
received equal rights. The program emphasized the establishment
of cooperative societies, where families worked together for
common benefit, and surplus food was stored for communal use. By
confiscating lands from wealthy landlords and promoting equality,
the Taiping movement aimed to address the social inequalities that
plagued the agrarian society.

5. Tan Chung criticized Western historians for maintaining a

prejudiced attitude towards Asian nations, arguing that they viewed
events in Asia as cyclic and changeless, suggesting that societies
merely repeated the same patterns without development. He
contended that this interpretation was inadequate and failed to
recognize the complexities and changes within Asian societies. Tan
Chung believed that the Taiping movement should be understood in
the context of its unique socio-political environment rather than
through a lens of cyclical history.

Multiple choice questions

Questions:

1. What was the main aim of the Taiping movement?

A. To establish a monarchy

B. To overthrow the Manchus

C. To promote Confucianism

D. To expand Western influence

2. During which years did the Taiping revolutionaries remain in

power?

A. 1850-1860

B. 1853-1864

C. 1860-1870

D. 1847-1853

3. What was one of the major causes of the Taiping uprising?

A. Strong military defense

B. Administrative corruption

C. Economic prosperity

D. Cultural unity
4. What did the Taiping regime believe about land ownership?

A. Land should be privately owned

B. All land belonged to the state

C. Land should be owned by landlords

D. Land should be divided among foreign traders

5. What was the Taiping dynasty referred to as?

A. Taiping Tien Kuo

B. Taiping Kingdom

C. Taiping Republic

D. Taiping Empire

Answers:

1. B

2. B

3. B

4. B

5. A

Questions:

1. What was the Taiping movement’s approach to land ownership?

A. Land was owned by landlords

B. All land belonged to the state

C. Land was privately owned

D. Land was owned by foreign traders

2. Who became the political head of the Taiping movement?

A. Tan Chung
 B. Hung Xiuquan

C. Fairbank

D. Kang-Yu-Wei

3. What was one of the key features of the Taiping administration?

A. Separation of civil and military functions

B. Nationalization of property

C. Promotion of Confucianism

D. Support for foreign traders

4. What was the main reason for the decline of the Manchu rulers?

A. Strong military presence

B. Economic prosperity

C. Weakness against Western aggression

D. Support from the peasants

5. What did the Taiping movement aim to achieve regarding

women’s rights?

A. Reinforce traditional roles

B. Emancipate women

C. Limit women’s participation

D. Promote Confucian values

Answers:

1. B

2. B

3. B

4. C
5. B

Questions:

1. What was the Taiping movement’s stance on taxation for

peasants after the Opium War?

A. Taxation was reduced

B. Taxation increased

C. Taxation remained the same

D. Taxation was abolished

2. What did Tan Chung accuse western historians of regarding their

view of Asian nations?

A. Being overly supportive

B. Maintaining a prejudiced attitude

C. Promoting equality

D. Ignoring historical events

3. What was the Taiping movement’s concept of universal

brotherhood based on?

A. Family ties

B. Religious beliefs

C. Economic equality

D. Political alliances

4. What was the Taiping dynasty’s name for their kingdom?

A. Taiping Tien Kuo

B. Taiping Republic

C. Taiping Empire

D. Taiping Kingdom
5. What was one of the main features of the Taiping administration?

A. Decentralized governance

B. Nationalization of property

C. Promotion of foreign trade

D. Emphasis on Confucian values

Answers:

1. B

2. B

3. A

4. A

5. B

Fill in the blanks

The Taiping Rebellion took place in China during the _____ century.

The movement aimed to overthrow the _____ dynasty.

It was a combination of socio, religious, and _____ motives.

The rebellion was fueled by the _____ condition of the Manchus.

Corruption among officials heightened the economic issues,

particularly for the _____ class.

The First Opium War resulted in China losing its _____.

The major part of the Chinese population during this period was
_____.

Heavy taxation after the First Opium War further impoverished the
_____.

The Taiping movement originated from the _____ province of China.

The land-to-population ratio problem in Guangxi led many to

become _____ laborers.
The opening of new trading ports shifted profits away from local
_____.

The Taiping movement was led by _____, who came from a peasant
family.

Hung’s beliefs were influenced by Christian _____ he encountered

while ill.

The organization founded by Hung was known as the Society of _____

Worshippers.

The word “Taiping” translates to “Great _____” in English.

The Taiping rebellion stressed the importance of _____ and equality

for all.

Women were encouraged to participate equally in military and _____

activities.

The taiping authorities prohibited the practice of _____ binding.

Under Taiping rule, all land was held in _____ by the state.

The Taiping regime aimed to establish a sense of _____ among its

members.

Land confiscated from landlords was redistributed for _____ use.

The administrative system of the Taiping rebellion incorporated

civil, _____, and religious functions.

The rebellion showed how discontent could lead to large-scale _____.

Despite its failure, the Taiping Rebellion inspired future reform

movements, including the _____ Days Reform.

Many features of the Taiping ideology were praised, such as the

emancipation of _____.

The rebellion played a critical role in preparing the ground for the
establishment of the _____ Republic.

The concept of _____ brotherhood was central to the Taiping

ideology.

The agricultural policies of the Taiping regime aimed to relieve the

burdens of the _____.
Peasants were expected to keep only what was necessary for _____.

The Taiping Rebellion is regarded as one of the significant

movements in _____ history.

Nature of Taiping
Movement

Fill in the blanks

The Taiping Rebellion was the first serious attempt towards change
that heralded China’s transition to a _____ era.

The rebellion shook the imperial structure of the _____ to its

foundations.

The Taiping movement aimed at far-reaching reforms including

equal distribution of _____.

One of the goals of the Taiping movement was the modernization of

_____.

The Taiping leaders sought to achieve equality of status regarding

_____ and women.

Although the Taiping rebels introduced significant reforms, they

were ultimately not able to carry them out successfully, leaving
profound impressions in the memory of the _____.

Historians debate whether to view the Taiping movement as a _____

or as a rebellion.
Karl Marx described the Taiping movement as a _____ in China.

Some Western historians view the Taiping Rebellion as just another

peasant _____.

The leadership of the Taiping movement was accused of becoming

more self-indulgent after they established a stronghold in _____.

After capturing Nanking, the Taiping leaders displayed _____

tendencies contrary to their original ideals.

The pro-Taiping scholars argue that the movement was an

unsuccessful _____.

The Taiping uprising demonstrated the power of the _____ class as a

revolutionary force.

Mao-Tse-Tung later organized the communist movement with the

peasantry as the leading _____.

The land program adopted by the Taipings stated that land should
be considered state-owned with no scope for _____ ownership.

The Taiping movement is seen as a social _____ against the Manchus.

The Taiping Rebellion is considered a national _____ against

discrimination faced by the Chinese.

Jean Chesneaux referred to the Taiping uprising as an expression of

the peasants’ desire for _____.

The struggles from the Taiping uprising achieved success in the 20 th

century against _____.

The document suggests that to understand the true nature of the

Taiping movement, one must look at its long-term _____.

Open – ended questions

Questions:

1. What were some of the far-reaching reforms that the Taiping

rebels attempted to introduce during the Taiping Rebellion?
 2. How did the Taiping Rebellion affect the power and prestige of
the Manchu dynasty?
3. What is the debate among historians regarding the nature of
the Taiping movement?
4. In what way did the Taiping movement influence future
political movements in China?
5. What was the perspective of Karl Marx and ‘The Times’
regarding the Taiping movement?

Answers:

1. The Taiping rebels attempted to introduce several far-reaching

reforms including equal distribution of land, modernization of
education, equality of status between men and women,
modernization of industries, and a ban on opium consumption.

2. The Taiping Rebellion shook the imperial structure of the

Manchus to its foundations, eroding their power, prestige, and
financial situation, and revealing the weakness of the central
authority in maintaining law and order.

3. Historians debate whether to view the Taiping movement as a

rebellion or a revolution. Western historians often classify it as a
peasant rebellion, while others argue it was a revolutionary
movement aimed at changing the political, social, and economic
structures of China.

4. The Taiping movement influenced future political movements in

China by demonstrating the power of the peasantry as a
revolutionary force, which was later adopted by leaders like Mao-
Tse-Tung in organizing the communist movement.

5. Karl Marx described the Taiping movement as a revolution in

China, and ‘The Times’ referred to it as a ‘revolutionary event of
tremendous importance’, highlighting its significance in the
historical context.

Questions:

1. What were the long-term effects of the Taiping Rebellion on

Chinese society and politics?

2. How did the Taiping leaders’ actions after establishing a

stronghold at Nanking contradict their initial goals?
3. What was the view of pro-Taiping scholars regarding the
classification of the Taiping movement?

4. What similarities exist between the Taiping movement and the

later communist movement in China?

6. How did the Taiping Rebellion reveal the weaknesses of the

Qing dynasty’s central authority?
7. What was the perspective of Tan Chung regarding the
classification of the Taiping Rebellion?
8. What did Jean Chesneaux refer to the Taiping uprising as, and
what was its significance?
9. What was the impact of the Taiping movement on the leaders
of the Hundred Days Reform and the Chinese Republic?
10. How did the Taiping movement influence the perception
of the peasantry in revolutionary movements in China?

Answers:

1. The long-term effects of the Taiping Rebellion on Chinese society

and politics included raising awareness among the Chinese masses
about the necessary changes for modernization, influencing future
reform movements, and paving the way for the political and
economic setup of China. It demonstrated the power of the
peasantry and inspired leaders of later movements, such as the
Hundred Days Reform and the Chinese Republic.

2. After establishing a stronghold at Nanking, the Taiping leaders

became more concerned with self-indulgence and establishing
themselves as rulers rather than implementing their reform
programs. This shift demonstrated a departure from their initial
goals of equal land distribution and gender equality.

3. Pro-Taiping scholars argue that the movement should be

classified as an unsuccessful revolution rather than a mere
rebellion. They believe it made significant attempts to overthrow
the Manchus and reform social and economic structures, despite its
eventual failure.

4. The similarities between the Taiping movement and the later

communist movement include their modern approach, anti-feudal
nature, and land programs that emphasized state ownership and
communal property. Both movements aimed to address the
grievances of the peasantry and sought to reform the socio-
economic structure of China.

5. The Taiping Rebellion revealed the weaknesses of the Qing

dynasty’s central authority by exposing its inability to maintain law
and order, leading to a rise in robbery, anarchy, and lawlessness.
The rebellion highlighted the erosion of the Manchus’ power and
prestige, demonstrating their failure to effectively govern the
empire.

6. Tan Chung refutes the view that the Taiping Rebellion should be
classified like other peasant rebellions, arguing that it aimed to
address broader political, social, and economic grievances, and
sought to overthrow the Manchu dynasty, thus distinguishing it
from typical peasant movements.

7. Jean Chesneaux referred to the Taiping uprising as a social

crusade expressing the peasant’s desire for equality. Its significance
lies in its role as a national revolution against the Manchus, who
were seen as responsible for China’s struggles against Western
powers.

8. The Taiping movement had a significant impact on the leaders of

the Hundred Days Reform, such as Kang-Yu-Wei and Liang Chi-Chao,
as well as on Sun-Yat-Sen, the founder of the Chinese Republic. They
were indebted to the Taiping movement and borrowed various
programs and ideas from it to shape their own reform agendas.

9. The Taiping movement influenced the perception of the peasantry

as a revolutionary force, demonstrating their potential power in
challenging the ruling elite. This perception was later adopted by
Mao-Tse-Tung, who organized the communist movement with the
peasantry as the leading force

Questions:

1. What were the implications of the Taiping Rebellion on the

administrative machinery of the Qing dynasty, and how did it affect
law and order in the empire?

2. Discuss the contrasting views of historians regarding the

classification of the Taiping movement as a rebellion or a revolution,
including the arguments presented by both sides.
3. What were the long-term effects of the Taiping movement on the
political landscape of China, particularly in relation to future reform
movements and leaders?

4. Analyze the role of the peasantry in the Taiping movement and its
significance in the context of later communist movements in China.

5.Evaluate the ideological foundations of the Taiping movement and

how they compared to the later communist ideology in China.

Answers:

1. The Taiping Rebellion severely affected the administrative

machinery of the Qing dynasty, leading to a major rise in robbery,
anarchy, and lawlessness. The rebellion revealed the central
authority’s weakness and its inability to maintain law and order,
which further eroded the power and financial situation of the
Manchu rulers.

2. Historians are divided on whether to classify the Taiping

movement as a rebellion or a revolution. Western historians often
view it as a peasant rebellion due to its failure to overthrow the
Manchus, while scholars like Tan Chung argue it was a revolutionary
movement aimed at significant political, social, and economic
changes. Pro-Taiping scholars suggest it should be seen as an
unsuccessful revolution because it attempted to reform the existing
structures.

3. The Taiping movement had profound long-term effects on China’s

political landscape, paving the way for future reform movements.
Leaders of the Hundred Days Reform Movement and the Chinese
Republic, such as Kang-Yu-Wei and Sun-Yat-Sen, were indebted to
the Taiping movement, borrowing ideas and programs that aimed at
modernization and reform.

4. The Taiping movement demonstrated the power of the peasantry

as a revolutionary force, which was significant for later communist
movements in China. Mao-Tse-Tung organized the communist
movement with the peasantry as the leading force, adopting land
programs similar to those proposed by the Taipings, emphasizing
state ownership and communal property.

5. The Taiping movement was founded on radical ideology that

sought to overthrow the Manchu dynasty and implement reforms
such as land redistribution and gender equality. These ideas were
echoed in later communist ideology, which also emphasized anti-
feudalism and peasant welfare, making the Taiping movement a
precursor to the communist movement in China.

Multiple Choice Questions

What was the primary aim of the Taiping Rebellion?

A) To establish foreign rule

B) To overthrow the Manchu dynasty and reform society

C) To maintain the status quo

D) To promote opium consumption

Which of the following reforms was NOT proposed by the Taiping

rebels?

A) Equal distribution of land

B) Modernization of education

C) Reduction of taxes for the rich

D) Ban on opium consumption

Who described the Taiping movement as a revolution in China?

A) Tan Chung

B) Karl Marx

C) Sun-Yat-Sen D) Berington Moore Jr.

The Taiping movement is considered a precursor to which later

movement in China?

A) Nationalist movement

B) Communist movement

C) Opium Wars

D) Boxer Rebellion
According to historians, the Taiping movement faced challenges
after capturing which city?

A) Beijing

B) Nanking

C) Shanghai

D) Guangzhou

Tan Chung argues against viewing the Taiping movement as what?

A) A success

B) A mere rebellion

C) A social movement

D) An educational reform

What did Karl Marx’s description of the Taiping movement

emphasize?

A) Its failure

B) The radical ideology and programs C) The lack of participation D)

Its success

Which scholar characterized the Taiping movement as a

“revolutionary event of tremendous importance”? A) Vincent Shih

B) Franz Michael

C) The Times

D) Mao-Tse-Tung

The Taiping leaders’ self-indulgence was noted after they

established a stronghold in:

A) Guangzhou

B) Nanking

C) Tianjin

D) Hong Kong

What common program was adopted by both the Taiping and

Communist movements?
A) Private ownership of land

B) State-owned land

C) Tax reductions for landowners

D) Confucian education reform

The Taiping movement is related to which class being emphasized

as a revolutionary force?

A) Merchant class

B) Bourgeois class C) Peasantry class D) Military class

The historical debate about the Taiping movement centers around

whether it was a rebellion or:

A) A civil war

B) A revolution

C) An imperial expansion

D) A foreign invasion

The Taiping Rebellion shook the imperial structure of which

dynasty?

A) Ming

B) Qing

C) Yuan

D) Tang

Which was a consequence of the Taiping Rebellion mentioned in the

document?

A) Strengthened central authority

B) Rise in robbery and lawlessness

C) Increased foreign investment

D) Expansion of trade routes

Who were the notable leaders influenced by the Taiping movement?

A) Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping

B) Kang-Yu-Wei and Liang Chi-Chao C) Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-
shek D) Liu Shaoqi and Zhou Enlai

Ssu-Wu-Eeng divides the Taiping movement into how many parts?

A) One B) Two C) Three D) Four

The Taiping movement’s ideology can best be described as:

A) Conservative

B) Radical and revolutionary

C) Reactionary

D) Feudal

Jean Chesneaux referred to the Taiping uprising as a:

A) Economic plea

B) Social crusade

C) Military expedition

D) Political negotiation

According to historians, a key weakness of the Taiping leaders was

their:

A) Commitment to reform

B) Focus on self-indulgence

C) Ideological clarity

D) Strong leadership

The Taiping movement attempted to modernize which of the

following aspects of society?

A) Technology only

B) Education, social structure, and industry

C) Military tactics

D) Foreign relations

The Taiping leaders’ actions led to a perception of them as

becoming:
A) Heroic figures

B) Selfish rulers

C) Enlightened thinkers

D) Revolutionary martyrs

The western historians’ perspective commonly views the Taiping

movement as:

A) A complete failure

B) A mere peasant rebellion

C) A successful revolution

D) An imperial uprising

The Taiping rebellion was significant for demonstrating the power of

which class?

A) Nobility

B) Bourgeoisie

C) Feudal lords

D) Peasantry

The ideology of the Taiping movement included:

A) Land ownership for nobility

B) State ownership of land and industrial output

C) Strict adherence to Confucian values

D) Promotion of opium trade

What characterized the initial phases of the Taiping movement?

A) Conservative reforms

B) Ideological zeal and mass participation

C) Focus on foreign policy

D) Ethnic division

The Taiping Rebellion highlighted the central authority’s failure to:

A) Engage in foreign trade

B) Maintain law and order

C) Collect taxes effectively

D) Recruit military forces

In the latter half of the movement, the Taiping leaders focused more
on:

A) Implementing reforms

B) Gaining foreign support

C) Establishing personal power

D) Education reform

The Taiping uprising is considered an expression against:

A) Ethnic minorities

B) Manchu rule and foreign influence

C) Imperial expansion

D) Peasant discontent

The discourse surrounding the Taiping movement is primarily about

its

A) Cultural impact

B) Military strategies

C) Political implications

D) Economic theories

Ultimately, historians argue the Taiping movement should be

recognized as:

A) A simple rebellion

B) An unsuccessful revolution with lasting impacts

C) A failed foreign invasion

D) An administrative reform attempt