Why Western Powers Rejected the Taiping Rebels

The Taiping Rebellion was an attempt by Chinese rebels to overthrow the Qing dynasty and establish a semi-Christian theocratic state. Despite shared religious beliefs, Western powers opposed the rebels due to economic interests and distrust of their religious interpretations. The rebellion, led by Hong Xiuquan, was ultimately unsuccessful, with Western powers siding with the Qing government to protect trade interests and maintain stability.

What was the main goal of the Taiping Rebellion?

• To promote Western values in China

• To strengthen the Qing dynasty

• To create a semi-Christian theocratic state

• To establish a democratic state

How did the Qing dynasty initially respond to the growth of Christianity?

• By promoting it

• By adopting Christian principles

• By ignoring it

• By purging Christians

Who led the Taiping Rebellion?

• Mao Zedong

• Qin Shi Huang

• Hong Xiuquan

• Sun Yat-sen

Why did the US initially consider supporting the Taiping Rebellion?

• Military alliance

• Economic interests

• Shared religious beliefs

• Cultural exchange

What was a major reason the British did not support the Taiping Rebellion?

• Lack of military power

• Religious differences

• Trade concessions with the Qing dynasty

• Geographical distance

How did Hong Xiuquan view himself in relation to Christianity?

• As the younger brother of Jesus

• As a mere follower

• As a disciple of Jesus

• As a prophet

Why did Western powers, despite sharing a religion, oppose the Taiping rebels?

• Political alliances with the Qing dynasty

• A lack of military resources

• Language barriers

• The rebels' interpretation of Christianity

What role did trade concessions play in the British stance on the rebellion?

• A major role, influencing their decision not to support the rebellion

• A minor role compared to military concerns

• No role, as Britain was indifferent to trade

• Led to immediate military support for the rebellion

What was the stance of the French towards the Taiping Rebellion?

• Full military support

• Neutral, with no involvement

• Opposition, aligning with the British stance

• Financial aid without military involvement

What ultimately happened to the Taiping Rebellion?

• It was defeated by the Qing dynasty with Western support

• It led to the establishment of a new dynasty

• It successfully overthrew the Qing dynasty

• It merged with another rebellion