1. Aim: Describe Rebellions that Shook China

2. Growing Internal Problems
Mid-19th Century, foreigners were not the greatest of China’s problems
Number of Chinese grew to 430 million by 1850
30% gain in 60 years
Result: hunger was widespread
Chinese began to rebel against Qing Dynasty 2

3. The Taiping Rebellion
Late 1830’s: Hong Xiuquan recruiting followers to rebel against Qing
Hong’s movement was called the Taiping Rebellion
Means Great Peace
1850’s: Hong had organized a massive peasant army of 1 million
Taiping army took control of large areas of Southeastern China
Leaders of the Taiping government constantly feuded among themselves
1864: Combination of internal fighting & outside assaults brought down the Taiping government
20 million died in the rebellion 3

4. Foreign Influence Grows
Qing Court, stormy debates raged about how best to deal with issues in China
Some government leaders called for reforms based on Western ways
Others clung to traditional ways
Dowager Empress supported certain reforms
1860’s: Empress backed self-strengthening movement
Program aimed to update China’s educational system, diplomatic service, & military
China set up factories to manufacture steam-powered gunboats, rifles, & ammunition
Had mixed results 4

5. Other Nations Step In
Late 19th Century: Many foreign nations took advantage of the situation and attacked China
Many of Europe’s major powers
This sphere of influence was an area in which the foreign nation controlled trade & investment
1899, United States declared the Open Door Policy
Proposed that China’s “doors” be open to merchants of all nations 5