Discuss the causes and effects of the White Lotus Rebellion.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the causes and effects of the White Lotus Rebellion. Candidates may discuss the nature of the White Lotus Society. It began as a secret religious society that opposed the rule of the Manchus, whom they regarded as outsiders. When the Qing eventually put down the rebellion, they claimed that the movement had merely been a response to corrupt local officials rather than an anti-Qing movement. The main causes of the White Lotus Rebellion were economic, famine, overcrowded conditions and heavy taxation being the main reasons. The movement promised the people that Buddha would return and bring an end to their suffering. The rebellion lasted nine years, with Qing officials struggling to put down the rebels due to their inability to detect them. The rebels effectively used guerrilla tactics, but this led to harsh reprisals towards the Chinese people. Eventually, the rebellion was put down, but it highlighted the weakness of the Qing dynasty and, in particular, their military strength. Candidates may argue that the exposure of this weakness contributed to the outbreak of future rebellions. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

There were very few responses to this question. Most candidates demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of the causes and effects of the White Lotus Rebellion. There were a few candidates who went outside the timeframe of the topic and included lengthy references to the Self-Strengthening Movement.