Taiping Rebellion and China's Population Impact

A major civil war in China (1850-1864) led by the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.

Leader of the Taiping Rebellion, claiming divine connections.

The revolutionary group led by Hong Xiuquan that fought in the Taiping Rebellion.

Key figure in the Qing Dynasty, organized and led loyalist forces against the Taiping Rebellion.

Milita organized by Zeng Guofan that was crucial in the defeat of the Taiping Rebellion.

A major famine event in China; leading to an estimated 13M deaths.

Ports in China that were concessioned to foreign powers.

Regional or outlying parts of a country or province, especially in China.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) unexpectedly won the Chinese Civil War against the Kuomintang (KMT), leading to the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

A series of protests and a rebellion in Taiwan in 1947, prompted by clashes between KMT forces and local Taiwanese, and the unpopular economic policies of the KMT.

Incidents of sexual assault by US Marines on a Chinese college student, leading to anti-foreign protests in China.

The People's Republic of China (PRC) was officially established in Beijing on October 1, 1949, by Mao Zedong.

A military commander in the Chinese Civil War and the Korean War, notably for his experiences influencing ideas on modernization.

Mao and Stalin had a relationship characterized by mutual respect, although not a close one, regarding the formation of PRC.

The Allies (including China) opposed Japan during World War II. Following surrender, conflicts arose regarding the post-war relationship among the allies.

Allied air raids targeting Japan during World War II. The bombing of Japan marked a substantial moment in the war.

Japan defeated Russia in a war, gaining influence in Northeast Asia but experiencing dissatisfaction with the outcome.

A period of political and social change in Japan following the Meiji era, marked by economic growth, but also instability and societal conflict.

A series of events that led to the invasion and occupation of Manchuria by Japan. Japan was condemned internationally, resulting in the withdrawal from the League of Nations.

A puppet state in Manchuria established by Japan after the invasion. Showcased Japanese rule to the world and a part of Japan's ambition to grow its influence in China

Chiang Kai-shek, leader of the Nationalist government, was kidnapped by the Chinese Communist Party to force a united front against the Japanese.

An armed clash between Japanese and Chinese forces, representing the beginning of large-scale Japanese military actions to engage in large-scale fighting with China, Often considered the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War and a major portion of WWII.

Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910 and became a Japanese colony until the end of WWII. It was a period of significant social, economic, and cultural change in Korea.

Japan's ideology of regional dominance in Asia, promising economic and political cooperation

A major earthquake in Japan, followed by violence and societal upheaval and military control of Japan.

The Japanese Emperor during the Taisho Period.

The emperor of Japan during the Meiji Restoration. His reign marked a transition period in Japan's history.

An incident in Manchuria setting in motion a larger conflict. Sparked Japanese aggression.

The last Emperor of China (Manchukuo). Puppet ruler installed by Japan.

Japan's territorial expansion into Manchuria in the 1930s, establishing a puppet state.

A major war between Japan and China beginning in 1937, often considered a part of World War II.

A group of four influential figures in China who were accused of being responsible for the excesses of the Cultural Revolution. They were tried and purged from power after Mao's death.

The leader of China who replaced Mao Zedong after his death. He is considered a transitional figure in China's leadership and presided over a period of stability after the Cultural Revolution.

The line of latitude that divides North Korea from South Korea. It was established by the US and Soviet Union after World War II.

Li Shaoqi was a Chinese communist leader trained in the Soviet Union. He organized labor in Japan-occupied areas and was Mao's chosen successor for a while, supporting the 1st Five Year Plan's Soviet-style heavy industry.

The southern part of Korea, which was established in 1948 with the support of the US. It is a democratic and capitalist nation.

The northern part of Korea, which was established in 1948 with the support of the USSR. It is a communist and authoritarian state.

A period in China's history where the government attempted to rapidly industrialize through ambitious goals. It emphasized steel production as the main measure of success. It used "backyard furnaces" and disregarded material constraints in favor of a perceived popular will.

A speech delivered by US Secretary of State Dean Acheson where he stated that the US did not see Korea as a vital interest. This was seen as a signal to the Soviet Union that the US would not intervene in Korea.

The reorganization of agriculture into 'People's Communes' in China. This method skewed data on production and consumption, and created inefficient incentives.

A crucial meeting where Peng criticized Mao's Great Leap Forward policies in private but Mao publicly defended his policies and doubled down on the GLF. This resulted in disastrous consequences.

The sudden and unexpected surrender of Japan in World War II led to a hasty division of Korea.

Following the Great Leap Forward's disastrous consequences, Mao faced pressure from senior leadership (Zhou, Liu, Deng), and stepped back from his prominent position in the government.

The period after Japan's surrender in World War II when Korea was divided into two zones of occupation, one by the Soviet Union and one by the US. This division was the precursor to the creation of two separate Korean states.

A Chinese military leader who became Defense Minister after Peng, supporting Mao Zedong. Lin promoted 'Learn From Lei Feng'.

A soldier who died in a traffic accident who became a highly idealized and propagandized figure, serving as a model citizen.

A period of political upheaval in China lasting a decade. It's often described as "Ten Years of Madness."

A political framework proposed by China for governing Hong Kong after it was returned to China in 1997. It allows Hong Kong to retain its own social, legal, and economic systems while remaining a part of China. This policy aims to maintain Hong Kong's autonomy and unique identity.

Designated areas within a country with special economic policies, designed to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth. These zones often have lower taxes, relaxed regulations, and streamlined bureaucracy.

Large-scale protests in Hong Kong triggered by a proposed bill that would have allowed the extradition of suspected criminals to mainland China. The bill was widely seen as a threat to Hong Kong's autonomy and freedom, leading to months of demonstrations and clashes between protesters and authorities.

A prominent Hong Kong businessman and philanthropist known for his vast wealth and influence. He is often considered a role model for Hong Kong entrepreneurs, and his stance on China's political landscape has garnered attention in recent years.

A self-governing island nation off the coast of mainland China. It maintains its own government and claims sovereignty over all of China, though its claim is not recognized by the international community.

A massacre of Taiwanese civilians by the Kuomintang (KMT) government in Taipei. The incident is considered a turning point in Taiwanese history, leading to the introduction of Martial Law and a suppression of Taiwanese identity.

Leader of the Kuomintang (KMT) party. He fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing the Chinese Civil War, and ruled Taiwan as its president until his death in 1975.

Eldest son of Chiang Kai-shek, and later the President of Taiwan. He played an important role in Taiwan's political transition towards democracy, ending the White Terror and Martial Law.

A demonstration in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, where eight political activists were arrested for advocating democracy and opposing the KMT's one-party rule. This incident highlighted the growing demand for political reforms and freedom in Taiwan.

Student-led protests in Taipei that demanded greater democracy and freedom of speech. The protests were successful in achieving many of their goals, including the lifting of martial law and the transition toward free and fair elections.

A community of Chinese individuals living outside of mainland China. They play a significant role in global trade and investment, particularly in Southeast Asia.

A city-state located in Southeast Asia. Known for its highly developed economy, high-quality living standards, and strict laws, Singapore has become a global hub for international finance and trade.

A spiritual practice that combines meditation, exercises, and moral teachings. It is prohibited in China as a cult, but millions of people worldwide follow it.

The presence of Christians in China. This often involves a distinction between official churches recognized by the government and underground churches that operate independently.

A region in northwest China with a complex history and a large Uyghur Muslim population. The region has been subject to heavy government control and policies that have been criticized as human rights violations.