Qing forces defeat the Nien rebels at the Battle of Inlon River

Background. The Nian Rebellion was an insurrection against the Qing dynasty in northern China from 1851 to 1868. The term 'Nian' referred to loosely affiliated gangs or bandits in the Huaibei dialect. By late 1864, the movement survived as skilled Taiping commanders arrived to take control, maintaining intact cavalry forces. The rebellion was eventually suppressed, contributing to the empire's collapse in the early 20th century.

Strategic Context. In late 1866, remaining Nian forces split into Eastern and Western armies. The Eastern Army, under Lai Wenguang, was stationed in central China, while the Western Army advanced on Beijing. By late 1867, Qing troops under Li Hongzhang and Zuo Zongtang had recaptured most Nian territory. The rebellion failed to topple the Qing dynasty largely due to a lack of alliances with other rebel groups.