What was a lasting effect of the Taiping Rebellion on the Qing dynasty?

The lasting effect of the Taiping Rebellion on the Qing dynasty was the decentralization and increased local governance within the empire. The rebellion, which lasted from 1850 to 1864, significantly weakened the central authority of the Qing government due to the extensive loss of life and resources, along with the destruction caused by the conflict.

In the aftermath, the Qing dynasty found it increasingly difficult to maintain control over vast territories and manage local affairs. As a result, provincial leaders and local commanders began to wield more power and autonomy, leading to a shift away from a strong centralized government. This decentralization was characterized by local governance structures becoming more influential, as provincial authorities took on greater responsibility for tax collection, military organization, and maintaining order.

This change in governance dynamics contributed to the Qing dynasty's struggles throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as local leaders often prioritized their own interests over the central government's directives, ultimately leading to further fragmentation and challenges to imperial authority.