Read the article “Is China Ripe for a Revolution?” by Stephen R. Platt and respond to the following in an
essay of 550 words. While you may quote from the article, do so sparingly and be sure to indicate that
you’re quoting. Try to respond as much as possible in your own words. It is important to be clear about the
chronology of events as Platt refers to four distinct historical periods.
Writing about the contemporary relevance of the Taiping Rebellion, Stephen Platt discusses several
perspectives. Why did the Chinese government 50 or 60 years ago cite it positively? How is it viewed
today? What accounts for the change in interpretation? How does the Taping Rebellion continue to affect
the domestic policies of the Chinese government? Finally, why did Britain and the US oppose the Taiping
even though it was ostensibly a Christian movement? According to Platt, what lessons does it hold today for
China and for the US?
Sample Solution
