The Taiping Rebellion’s Massive Death Toll

In the 1800s, a civil war inside China killed more people than World War I.

It was called the Taiping Rebellion. It began in 1850, during the Qing Dynasty.

The leader was Hong Xiuquan, a failed civil service candidate. After reading Christian

texts, Hong believed he was the younger brother of Jesus Christ.

He declared a new state—the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. Its capital was Nanjing,

renamed Heavenly Capital. The Taiping movement promised land reform and social equality.

Millions joined. The Qing government fought back with regional armies. The war spread across

southern and central China. Entire cities were destroyed. Famine and disease