Modern China Pt. 1: The Taiping & Boxer Rebellions w/ Ken Hammond
Apr 1, 2024
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Historian Ken Hammond and guest host Breht O'Shea discuss the Taiping and Boxer Rebellions in modern China. They explore the socio-economic turmoil, resistance against Western imperialism, and impacts of the rebellions. The conversation also touches on Empress Dowager Sushi, nationalist movements, and Chinese history.
The Taiping Rebellion was a response to Western imperialism and aimed at creating a more egalitarian society through equitable resource distribution.
The Taiping Rebellion faced internal challenges and external opposition from Western imperialists, leading to its ultimate military defeat.
The Boxer Rebellion reflected deep anti-imperialist sentiments in China, influencing future liberation movements against Western imperialism.
Deep dives
Origins and Influences of the Taiping Rebellion
The Taiping Rebellion was influenced by the underlying socio-economic and material conditions in 19th century China, marked by disruptions in the economy due to Western imperialism. The rebellion stemmed from a rural commune movement and gradually transitioned into a more active mode of open rebellion against the Qing dynasty. The movement aimed at establishing a more egalitarian society through practical efforts to implement policies focusing on equitable distribution of resources and a shared societal structure.
Momentum and Expansion of the Taiping Movement
The Taiping movement gained momentum and support as it advanced north through central China, attracting new followers along its path despite facing constant armed conflicts with the Qing dynasty's armies. The movement's successes in military campaigns and the practical application of its egalitarian ideals appealed to the masses, drawing on the idea of standing up against Western imperialism and transforming the existing social and economic order.
Challenges and Internal Dynamics within the Taiping Movement
As the Taiping Rebellion progressed, challenges emerged within the movement, including the adoption of gender-segregated policies and a more commandist leadership approach under intensified warfare. The movement faced internal contradictions, reflecting the broader class tensions in Chinese society. The Taiping Rebellion, although a significant challenge to the Qing dynasty, ultimately faced military defeat due to limitations in its ideological framework and organizational structure.
Interactions with Western Imperialists during the Taiping Rebellion
Despite initial sympathy, the Taiping Rebellion faced opposition from Western imperialists, who strategically leveraged the movement's radical egalitarianism and religious autonomy to protect their own interests. Western powers pivoted their support away from the rebellion towards defending their enclaves, leading to the eventual defeat of the Taiping movement. The movement's historical legacy reflects the complexities of navigating internal and external pressures during a time of profound social upheaval.
The Impact of Missionaries on Chinese Society
The presence of missionaries in Shandong created contradictions within rural Chinese communities. Embracing Christianity led to privileges and economic benefits for individuals, causing resentment among non-Christians. The missionaries' promotion of social, economic, and political privilege led to tensions in rural society.
Legacy of the Boxer Rebellion
The Boxer Rebellion reflected deep-rooted anti-imperialist sentiments in China, influencing the country's political landscape. Despite initial defeat, the rebellion's legacy lived on, inspiring future movements for national liberation. The rebellion's impact heightened anti-imperialist consciousness in China, leading to subsequent revolutionary and nationalist movements against Western imperialism.
In this episode of Guerrilla History, we launch our 4 part miniseries on modern Chinese history featuring Ken Hammond (and guest host Breht O'Shea of Revolutionary Left Radio) with this terrific discussion on the Taiping and Boxer Rebellions! Be sure to go back and listen to the previous episode we did with Ken in the fall, which serves as a bit of an introductory work for this miniseries. The other three installments will drop every other week (with other episodes in between), and will cover the Chinese Revolution/Civil War, the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution, and the Reform period, so be sure to subscribe to not miss any of those coming episodes!
Ken Hammond is Professor of East Asian and Global History at New Mexico State University. He has been engaged in radical politics since his involvement in the anti-war movement at Kent State in 1968-70. Ken is also the author of the book China’s Revolution & the Quest for a Socialist Future.
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