2. The Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864)
The Taiping Rebellion stands as one of history’s deadliest conflicts, yet it’s often overlooked outside China. Led by Hong Xiuquan, who claimed to be the brother of Jesus, this uprising sought to overthrow the Qing dynasty and establish a new “Heavenly Kingdom.” The civil war raged for over a decade, claiming an estimated 20 to 30 million lives and leaving vast regions devastated. The rebellion’s failure reshaped Chinese society and governance, influencing future reform and revolutionary movements. Discover more at Britannica.
