Conflicts and Strategies in the Taiping Rebellion

This chapter explores the complex dynamics of the Taiping Rebellion amid the Opium Wars, illustrating the Qing dynasty's struggle to manage internal and external conflicts. It highlights the brutal total war tactics employed by both the Qing and Taiping forces, as well as pivotal moments like the snowstorm that allowed a Taiping counterattack. Additionally, the narrative examines the Qing dynasty's shift towards merit-based military leadership with figures like Zheng Guo Fan, and the influence of Western alliances and tactics in shaping the course of the rebellion.