Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 259 - The Taiping Rebellion Part 4: The Heavenly King Has A Tummy Ache
May 7, 2023
The podcast delves into Chinese history, rebel attacks in Shanghai, desperation and chaos in the Taiping Rebellion, discussing strategic food supply importance in a fortress, brutality escalation, modern marijuana potency, the downfall of key figures, and managing listener complaints
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River Gunboats Turned The Tide
- The Imperial government improved riverine warfare with gunboats that annihilated retreating Taiping forces.
- Zhang Gaoguan's riverborne cannon strikes decisively shifted momentum against the rebels.
A Commander's Failed Bargain
- Wing King Xi Kaicheng surrendered to spare his men and family but was executed by slow dismemberment.
- The Imperial government then executed thousands of his soldiers and killed his remaining family.
Divine Delusion Broke Governance
- Hong Xiuquan ceased effective governance as visions and divine guidance stopped, paralyzing decision-making.
- His replacement of experienced administrators with relatives crippled logistics at the worst moment.