Discuss the reasons for, and the consequences for Chinese society of, the failure of the Taiping Rebellion.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for, and consequences for Chinese society of, the failure of the Taiping Rebellion. Both reasons and consequences must be discussed but there does not need to be an equal focus on each. Reasons for the failure of the Taiping may include a discussion of internal dissension within the movement and their failure to get the support of Han Chinese bureaucrats or western missionaries. The intervention of the west also ensured the Manchus maintained control of key cities which limited Taiping support. When discussing consequences of the failure candidates may refer to the enormous physical destruction and loss of life. Candidates may also refer to the eventual decline of the Manchu dynasty. Consequences may extend beyond the timeframe of the topic but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question.