What was the main goal of the Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864)?

• A. To reform the Qing Dynasty
• B. To establish a new Christian state
• C. To unify China with Taiwan
• D. To promote imperial expansion

Answer: (B)

The primary goal of the Taiping Rebellion was to establish a new Christian state, which was fundamentally driven by the vision of its leader, Hong Xiuquan. Hong believed himself to be the younger brother of Jesus Christ and sought to create a society based on his interpretation of Christianity, aiming to replace the Qing Dynasty with a theocratic government. The rebellion prompted a radical social and economic restructuring, including land reforms, the abolition of traditional social hierarchies, and a push for gender equality, all framed within a Christian ideology.

While there were movements aiming to reform the Qing Dynasty during this period, the essence of the Taiping Rebellion was not merely to improve the existing structure but to completely overhaul it in favor of a new state system based on Hong's religious beliefs. Furthermore, the rebellion did not focus on external territorial unification, such as aligning with Taiwan or promoting imperial expansion, but was primarily about internal transformation and establishing a new governing order. Thus, the rebellion stands out in history as a unique and radical attempt to create a distinct society driven by a specific religious vision.