This is an update about China I posted to my Timeline, A Long and Flowing Whig. China is not my area of expertise so I was hoping that I could get some more feedback before I continue a series of updates about China. You can find the full timeline in my signature.
The Quing Dynasty has ruled the massive empire of China since the mid 17th century. China has a history of growing in power, fracturing, recession, and reconsolidating. Because of its vast territory and a vast array of different peoples, it seems nearly impossible to have a truly unified China. In 1850, Emperor Daoguang died and was succeeded by his son Yizhu, who would be titled Xianfeng Emperor. At 19 years old, he was a very young emperor. He was quite skilled with literature and administration, which was why he was chosen as heir over his older brothers. He inherited a crumbling dynasty that faced challenges not only internally, but also from Europeans.
In 1851 a rebellion occurred in southern China, this would become known as the Taiping Rebellion. The Taiping rebellion was started when a heterodox Christian convert Hong Xiuquan established the “Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace”, with its capital of Nanjing. They controlled much of southern China. The emperor and his advisors were afraid of the Empire fracturing. Then a solution was put forward by an advisor who’s name has been lost. It was suggested that the emperor take a “Christian” wife, in order to appease those in Southern China. It was also suggested that legal restrictions be lifted on Christians. The biggest suggestion, the one with probably the most controversy is that the emperor should declare his first son from his Christian wife as heir to the throne. This last suggestion seemed over the top, but the first two would be implemented.
Xianfeng would take one of the daughters of one of the Kings of the Heavenly Kingdom to be his “Christian” wife, in 1853. This was enough to pacify the region. He also granted them a limited amount of autonomy. The goal of this was to pacify rebellious forces in eastern China, and hopefully prevent future rebellions. He was successful in pacifying this religious minority, but the Christians would not be the only group to rebel. After them would be the Muslims.
Slumbering Dragon
Pacifying TaipingThe Quing Dynasty has ruled the massive empire of China since the mid 17th century. China has a history of growing in power, fracturing, recession, and reconsolidating. Because of its vast territory and a vast array of different peoples, it seems nearly impossible to have a truly unified China. In 1850, Emperor Daoguang died and was succeeded by his son Yizhu, who would be titled Xianfeng Emperor. At 19 years old, he was a very young emperor. He was quite skilled with literature and administration, which was why he was chosen as heir over his older brothers. He inherited a crumbling dynasty that faced challenges not only internally, but also from Europeans.
In 1851 a rebellion occurred in southern China, this would become known as the Taiping Rebellion. The Taiping rebellion was started when a heterodox Christian convert Hong Xiuquan established the “Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace”, with its capital of Nanjing. They controlled much of southern China. The emperor and his advisors were afraid of the Empire fracturing. Then a solution was put forward by an advisor who’s name has been lost. It was suggested that the emperor take a “Christian” wife, in order to appease those in Southern China. It was also suggested that legal restrictions be lifted on Christians. The biggest suggestion, the one with probably the most controversy is that the emperor should declare his first son from his Christian wife as heir to the throne. This last suggestion seemed over the top, but the first two would be implemented.
Xianfeng would take one of the daughters of one of the Kings of the Heavenly Kingdom to be his “Christian” wife, in 1853. This was enough to pacify the region. He also granted them a limited amount of autonomy. The goal of this was to pacify rebellious forces in eastern China, and hopefully prevent future rebellions. He was successful in pacifying this religious minority, but the Christians would not be the only group to rebel. After them would be the Muslims.