Nien Rebellion
Date 1851 - 1868 Location Northern China Result Qing Victory
Belligerents
Qing Empire	Militia
Commanders and leaders
Zeng Guofan Li Hongzhang Zuo Zongtang Senggelinqin	?
Strength
~500,000 Troops	~200,000 Troops
Casualties and losses
Over 100,000 Troops and Civilians Killed

The Nien Rebellion (simplified Chinese: 捻军起义; traditional Chinese: 捻軍起義; pinyin: niǎn jūn qǐ yì; Wade–Giles: nien-chün ch'i-yi Western historians have traditionally used the Wade-Giles transcription "Nien", rather than Hanyu Pinyin "Nian") was an armed uprising that took place in northern China from 1851 to 1868, contemporaneously with Taiping Rebellion (1851–1864) in South China. The rebellion failed to topple the Qing dynasty, but caused immense economic devastation and loss of life that became one of the major long-term factors in the collapse of the Qing regime in the early 20th century.

Origin[link]

Nian is a North Hua dialect meaning one seed one assistant (一股一夥). The Nian movement was formed in the late 1840s by Zhang Lexing, and by 1851 numbered approximately 40,000. Unlike the Taiping Rebellion movement though, the Nien initially had no clear goals or objectives aside from criticism of the Qing government. However, the Nien were provoked into taking direct action against the Imperial regime following a series of environmental disasters. The 1851 flood of the massive Yellow River deluged hundreds of thousands of square miles and caused immense loss of life. The Qing government slowly began cleaning up after the disaster, but were unable to provide effective aid as government finances had been drained during a recent war with Great Britain and the ongoing slaughter of the Taiping Rebellion. The damage created by the disaster had still not been repaired when, in 1855, the river burst its banks again, drowning thousands and devastating the fertile province of Jiangsu. At the time, the Qing government was trying to negotiate a deal with the European powers, and as state finances had been so severely depleted, the regime was again unable to provide effective relief. This enraged the Nien movement, which blamed the Europeans for contributing to China's troubles, and increasingly viewed the Qing government as incompetent and cowardly in the face of the Western powers.

Political scientists Valerie Hudson and Andrea den Boer suggest that the rebellion was fueled, at least in part, by decades of female infanticide caused by the floods related economic misery, leading to a large population of frustrated young men without any women to marry, perhaps as many as 25 percent of all young men in the area being in this category of "bare branches".^[1][2]

The conflict[link]

In 1855, Zhang Lexing took direct action by launching attacks against government troops in central China. By the summer, the fast-moving Nien cavalry, well-trained and fully equipped with modern firearms, had cut the lines of communication between Beijing and the Qing armies fighting the Taiping rebels in the south. Qing forces were badly overstretched as rebellions broke out across China, allowing the Nien armies to conquer large tracts of land and gain control over economically vital areas. The Nien fortified their captured cities and used them as bases to launch cavalry attacks against Qing troops in the countryside, prompting local towns to fortify themselves against Nien raiding parties. This resulted in constant fighting which devastated the previously rich provinces of Jiangsu and Hunan.

In early 1856, the Qing government sent the Mongol General Senggelinqin, who had recently crushed a large Taiping army, to defeat the Nien. Senggelinquin's army captured several fortified cities and destroyed most of the Nien infantry, and killed Zhang Lexing himself in an ambush. However in late 1864, the Nien movement survived as Taiping commanders Lai Wenguang (賴文光) (1827–1868) and Fan Ruzeng (1840-1867) arrived to take control of the Nien forces, and the bulk of the Nien cavalry remained intact. Senggelinquin's infantry-based army could not stop the fast moving cavalry from devastating the countryside and launching surprise attacks on Imperial troops. In 1864, to battle the Nien, 7,000 soldiers were transported to Tianjin via Shanghai.^[3] In late 1865, Senggelinquin and his bodyguards were ambushed by Nien troops and killed, in the Battle of Goulawjai, depriving the government of its best military commander. The Qing regime sent General Zeng Guofan rapidly (in two days) to take command of Imperial forces protecting the capital Beijing, and provided him with modern artillery and weapons, purchased from the Europeans at exorbitant prices. Zeng's army set about building canals and trenches to hem in the Nien cavalry, an effective but slow and expensive method. General Zeng was relieved of command after Nien infantry broke through one of his defence fronts, and he was replaced by Generals Li Hongzhang and Zuo Zongtang, equipped with more crushingly expensive European artillery and firearms.^{[citation needed]} In late 1866, the remaining Nien forces split into two, with the Eastern Army, under command of Lai Wenguang, stationed in central China whilst the Western Army advanced on Beijing. The Western Army, commanded by Zhang Zongyu, Zhang Lexing's brother's son, was defeated southwest of Beijing by Qing troops, leaving large swathes of Nien territory exposed to a Qing counter-attack. By late 1867, Li Hongzhang's and Zuo Zongtang's troops had recaptured most Nien territory, and in early 1868, the remnants were crushed by the combined forces of the government's troops and the Ever Victorious Army.

Assessment[link]

The Nien rebellion failed to topple the regime largely because it failed to make alliances with other rebels, especially the Taiping movement. Nien only symbolically supported Taiping by accepting the Taiping king's "appointments", but refusing to follow his orders. Had the Nien and Taipings joined forces, the Qing government would have been faced with a formidable threat, in spite of its alliances with European powers. Despite the Niens' failure to seize power, the events of the rebellion dealt a severe blow to the Qing regime. The environmental disasters of 1851 and 1855 devastated the richest provinces of China, depriving the Qing regime of tax income and trade duties. The endless fighting between Nien troops and Qing forces, who made widespread use of scorched earth tactics, ruined the countryside and resulted in countless deaths. Although the Nien rebellion was smaller than that of the Taiping, it severely drained government finances, devastated the richest areas of China, and left China's economy in a very precarious state. In the long term, the Nien rebellion was to become one of the major factors in the collapse of Qing China.

The modern Chinese words Xin-Lai (信賴) and Xin-Ren (信任), meaning believe and trust, may come from Lai Wenguang and Ren Zhu, leaders of the Nien Rebellion.

Main leaders[link]

• Zhang Lexing
• Lai Wenguang
• Zhang Zongyu (Zhang Lexing's brother's son)
• Ren Zhu

Vice leaders[link]

• Mio Payling
• Fan Ruzeng
• Niu Hongsheng

See also[link]

• List of rebellions in China
• Taiping Rebellion
• Punti–Hakka Clan Wars
• Miao Rebellion (1854–73)
• Dungan revolt (1862–1877)
• Panthay Rebellion
• Nepalese-Tibetan War

Notes[link]

•  This article incorporates text from Alden's illustrated family miscellany [afterw.] record, and Oxford monthly advertiser, publ. by H. Alden, by Alden's illustrated family record, a publication from 1864 now in the public domain in the United States.

References[link]

• Ownby, David. "Approximations of Chinese Bandits: Perverse Rebels or Frustrated Bachelors?" Chinese Masculinities/Femininities. Ed. Jeffrey Wasserstrom and Susan Brownell. Berkeley, CA: U of California P.
• Perry, Elizabeth. Rebels and Revolutionaries in Northern China, 1845-1945 (Stanford, CA: Stanford UP, 1980).
• Têng, Ssu-yü. The Nien Army and Their Guerrilla Warfare, 1851-1868. Paris: Mouton, 1961.

Nguyễn Huệ 阮惠
Emperor of Vietnam
Emperor Quang Trung
Reign	1788–1792
Predecessor	Thái Đức Lê Dynasty
Successor	Cảnh Thịnh
Full name
Nguyễn Huệ
House	Tây Sơn Dynasty
Born	1753
Died	1792

This article contains Vietnamese text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of chữ Nôm, chữ Hán and chữ Quốc Ngữ.

Nguyễn Huệ, also known as Emperor Quang Trung (光中皇帝; Quang Trung Hoàng đế ), born in Bình Định in 1753, died in Phú Xuân on 16 September 1792, was the second emperor of the Tây Sơn Dynasty of Vietnam, reigning from 1788 until 1792. He was also one of the most successful military commanders in Vietnam's history.^[1]

Nguyễn Huệ and his brothers, together known as the Tây Sơn Brothers,^[2] were the leaders of the famous Tây Sơn Rebellion. As rebels, they conquered Vietnam, overthrowing the imperial Later Lê Dynasty and the two rival feudal houses of the Nguyễn in the south and the Trinh in the north.

After several years of constant military campaigning and rule, Nguyễn Huệ died at the age of 40, possibly due to a stroke.^[3] Prior to his death, he had made plans to continue his march southwards in order to destroy the army of Nguyễn Ánh, a surviving heir of the Nguyễn Lords. Nguyễn Huệ's death led to the downfall of the Tây Sơn Dynasty. His successors were unable to follow the plans he had made for ruling Vietnam. However, his conquests marked the beginning of approximately a century in which Vietnam was both unified and independent until the Western conquest of Vietnam in 1885.

Early life[link]

According to multiple sources, Nguyễn Huệ's ancestors were peasants who lived in Nghệ An.^[4][5][6] They left Nghệ An and moved to southern Vietnam after an attack by the Nguyễn Lords against the Trịnh Lords in Nghệ An. His ancestors' surname was Hồ (胡), but Huệ's great grandfather Hồ Phi Long, who was a servant of the Dinh family of Bằng Chân hamlet, Tuy Viễn district (or An Nhơn), Quy Nhơn province, married a woman from the Dinh family and had a son named Hồ Phi Tiễn, Huệ's grandfather. Hồ Phi Tiễn did not continue farming as his father, but instead traded in betel. Through his work he met and married Nguyễn Thị Đồng, the only daughter of a rich betel tradesman residing in Tây Sơn village. One of their children was Huệ's father Hồ Phi Phúc (also known as Nguyễn Phi Phúc). Some sources say that in taking on the surname Nguyễn, the family followed the surname of Huệ's mother; other sources say that it followed the surname of Nguyễn Lords of southern Vietnam.

Nguyễn Huệ was born in 1753 in Tây Sơn village, Nghia Binh province (now Bình Định). He was the second of three brothers in a family with eight children. His father, Nguyễn Phi Phúc, made the three brothers dedicate themselves to their studies early in life. Their martial arts master was Trương Văn Hiến, a learned guest (môn khách) and friend of Trương Văn Hạnh, who in turn was the teacher of Nguyễn Phúc Luân, the father of Nguyễn Phúc Ánh (or Nguyễn Ánh). Trương Văn Hiến also instructed the brothers in literature, history, and the military arts. He was first man to discover the talents of the Tây Sơn Brothers and to advise them to do great deeds. It is possible that the prophecy ""Tây khởi nghĩa, Bắc thu công" (Revolt in the West, success in the North) is his. Trương Văn Hiến fled to Bình Định after a powerful government official named Trương Phúc Loan killed his friend Trương Văn Hạnh.

Seeking to overthrow the powerful official Trương Phúc Loan and to help the prince Nguyễn Phúc Dương, the eldest of the Tây Sơn Brothers, Nguyễn Nhạc, gathered an army and revolted in 1771. He was aided by his brothers Nguyễn Huệ and Nguyễn Lữ. In the early days of the rebellion, Huệ was the most helpful of Nhạc's generals both in finance and in training the army; with the encouragement of Trương Văn Hiến and his own talent, Huệ rapidly increased his own popularity and that of the Tây Sơn Rebellion.

Quang Trung thông bảo, A coin issued during the reign of Quang Trung Emperor

Due to its popularity, the Tây Sơn Army grew strong and attracted many talented generals, (such as Nguyễn Thung, Bùi Thị Xuân, Võ Văn Dũng, Võ Đình Tú, Trần Quang Diệu, Trương Mỹ Ngọc, and Võ Xuân Hoài). The rebels became famous for their policy: "fair, no corruption, only looting the rich, and help the poor" (công bằng, không tham nhũng, và chỉ cướp của của người giàu, giúp người nghèo).^[7]

War against the Nguyễn Lords[link]

Early time[link]

After 200 years of holding power in southern Vietnam, the government of the Nguyễn Lords had become progressively weaker, due to its poor leadership and internal contradictions. Following the death of Lord Nguyễn Phúc Khoát, the powerful official Trương Phúc Loan began to arrogate to himself control over the Nguyễn government.^[8][9] For the purpose of resisting against the excessive power of Trương Phúc Loan and coming to the assistance of Prince Nguyễn Phúc Dương, the Tây Sơn Brothers gathered an army and revolted against the government of the Nguyễn Lords. The rebel army of the Tây Sơn quickly occupied a large area of land from Quy Nhơn to Bình Thuận, thereby weakening the authority of the Nguyễn government.^[8][9]

In 1774, the government of the Nguyễn Lords sent a large army led by general Tống Phúc Hiệp against the Tây Sơn rebels. From Gia Dinh, the troops marched to northern central Vietnam, and after several battles they recaptured Bình Thuận, Diên Khánh, and Bình Khang. The rebel army of the Tây Sơn now only held the land from Phú Yên to Quảng Ngãi.

Also in 1774, the ruler of northern Vietnam, Trịnh Sâm,sent a massive army of 30,000 soldiers led by general Hoàng Ngũ Phúc southwards with the same purpose as that of the Tây Sơn rebel army, namely to help the Nguyễn Lords fight Trương Phúc Loan. The northern troops were unobstructed in their march to Phú Xuân, the governmental capital of the Nguyễn Lords. The government of the Nguyễn Lords feared the beginning of an unmanageable war on two fronts.^[8][9] Officials of the government arrested Trương Phúc Loan and gave him up to the troops of the Trịnh Lords. The Trịnh Lords, however, continued attacking Phú Xuân under the pretext of helping the Nguyễn Lords suppress the Tây Sơn rebellion. The Nguyễn Lord Nguyễn Phúc Thuần and his officials initially attempted to resist the attack, but ended up fleeing to Quảng Nam.^[9]

Seizing the opportunity, Nguyễn Nhạc led an army (with naval support) against Quảng Nam. Once again, the Nguyễn Lord Nguyễn Phúc Thuần fled, this time by sea to Gia Dinh, accompanied by Nguyễn Phúc Ánh, and leaving behind his nephew Nguyễn Phúc Dương.^[8] Early in 1775, the army of the Trịnh Lords marched on Quảng Nam at the same time as the Tây Sơn troops reached Quảng Nam. Tây Sơn troops searched for and then captured Nguyễn Phúc Dương. The army of the Trịnh Lords crossed the pass at Hai Van gorge, engaged the Tây Sơn troops, and defeated them.^[9]

At the same time, the general of the Nguyễn Lords Tống Phúc Hiệp led his troops against Phú Yên, forcing the Tây Sơn army to withdraw.

Fearing a war on two fronts, Nguyễn Nhạc sent Hoàng Ngũ Phúc a proposal that if the Trịnh Lords recognized the Tây Sơn Rebel Army, the Tây Sơn would help the Trịnh Lords fight against the Nguyễn Lords. The proposal was accepted, and Nguyễn Nhạc was made an official of the Trịnh Lords. Nhac also made peace with the Nguyễn Lords, causing Tống Phúc Hiệp to take off the pressure, and deluded Prince Nguyễn Phúc Dương.^[9] His diplomacy provisionally made Tây Sơn's enemies inactive and bought him valuable time to shore up his army.^[9]

Tây Sơn's counter-attack[link]

Realising that the provisional truce would not last long, Nguyen Nhạc retrained the rebel army, recruited new soldiers, fortified Đồ Bàn castle, and built new bases, preparing for an attack.^[8]

Tống Phúc Hiệp, who had been deceived by Nguyện Nhạc peaceful overtures, did not pay much attention to Nhạc's activities. He did not prepare for either defending or attacking. Nhạc made use of Hiệp's inactivity, and sent troops led by his brother Nguyễn Huệ against him. The Tây Sơn troops swiftly defeated the unprepared troops of the Nguyễn Lords and inflicted heavy losses upon them. Tống Phúc Hiệp and his troops fled to Van Phong.^[8] It was the first great victory achieved by Huệ. Nhạc sent news of the victory to Hoàng Ngũ Phúc. On Phuc's request, the Trinh rewarded Nhạc with a new office.

Because the troops of the Trịnh Lords lacked familiarity with the southern country, Hoàng Ngũ Phúc withdrew the troops to the north. En route, he died of natural causes. Phúc's death marked the end of the Trịnh Lords' interventions in the south.^[8] While the army of the Trịnh Lords withdrew to Thuận Hóa, Tây Sơn moved quickly in sending its troops to take over the abandoned territory and to suppress elements loyal to the Nguyễn Lords.

Southern aggressiveness[link]

Having gained a lot of new rich land without facing much opposition, the Tây Sơn Army grew stronger. Nhạc had a desire to expand Tây Sơn's authority. He sent a large army led by his youngest brother Nguyễn Lữ to launch a sudden attack against Gia Định (now called Ho Chi Minh City) by sea. Lữ's raid was successful: he occupied Sài Côn (hay Sài Gòn) and forced the Nguyễn Lord and his followers to flee to Biên Hòa. His success was short-lived, however, when an army loyal to the Nguyễn Lords and led by a man named Đỗ Thành Nhân rose against him in Đông Sơn. The loyalist army attacked and forced Tây Sơn's troops to withdraw from Sài Côn. Before withdrawing, Lữ seized the local foodstores and took them back to Quy Nhơn.^[9]

Nguyễn Nhạc, due to his power, repaired to Đồ Bàn city and in 1776 proclaimed himself King of Tây Sơn (Vietnamese: Tây Sơn Vương), choosing Đồ Bàn as his capital.^[9] He gave Huệ the title Phụ Chính (Vice National Administrator).

Defeat of the Qing[link]

Late 18th century painting depicting the Emperor Qianlong receiving, Nguyen Quang-Hien, the peace envoy from Nguyen Hue in Beijing.

Emperor Qianlong of the Great Qing Empire sent a massive army south with Lê Chiêu Thống (the last official Lê emperor) in 1788 to restore him to the throne, though under Chinese protection of course. Nguyễn Huệ gathered his forces around Thăng Long (today called Ha Noi) which had been taken by the Qing army. He declared in front of his soldiers:

Fight to keep our hair long,

Fight to keep our teeth black,

Fight to show that the heroic southern country can never be defeated.

In a brilliantly successful battle, Nguyễn Huệ made a surprise attack against the Chinese during Tết, the Vietnamese lunar new year holiday. This was traditionally a time of peace for all sides and the Qing troops were unprepared for battle. In a fierce 5-day battle they were soundly and stunningly defeated and Lê Chiêu Thống was forced to flee for his life back to China. Yet, Nguyễn Huệ showed considerable gallantry to the defeated Chinese, allowing them to return home with honor and encouraging a peaceful relationship in keeping with previous arrangements, with the Qing Emperor. As for himself, Nguyễn Huệ had become the national savior of Vietnam and the most popular figure in the country. He was subsequently proclaimed Emperor of Vietnam with the name Quang Trung.

Rule[link]

This section requires expansion.

Once in power, Emperor Quang Trung fast began instituting massive and unprecedented national reforms in Vietnam. He set up a new system of administration and replaced the traditional Chinese script with the Vietnamese Chữ Nôm as the official written language of the country. His religious toleration won him the support of the growing Christian community and his campaign of the common people against the traditional elites won him the admiration of the peasant majority.

Legacy[link]

Most cities in Vietnam, regardless of the political orientation of the government, have named major streets after him.^[10]

References and notes[link]