The biggest population drops in China during wars occurred during the
Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD), the Taiping Rebellion (1850-1873), and the Mongol conquests. The Three Kingdoms period saw a population drop from approximately
56.5
million to
16
million due to warfare, plague, and migration. The Taiping Rebellion, combined with famine, caused a drop of over
30
million people between 1850 and 1873. Three Kingdoms period (220–280 AD)
- Population decline: A significant drop from approximately
56.5million to around16million.
- Causes: Warfare, plague (which killed many generals and officers), and mass migration of people fleeing the conflict contributed to the devastating loss. The decline also reflects a period of inaccurate census data due to the widespread chaos.
Taiping Rebellion (1850–1873)
- Population decline: A drop of over
30million people.
- Causes: The rebellion, combined with related drought and famine, was the primary cause of the population decline.
Mongol conquests (13th century)
- Population decline: While a precise figure for China is difficult to ascertain, the initial phase of the Mongol conquests is often cited as one of history's most devastating periods.
- Causes: Massacre of city inhabitants, widespread destruction, and the requisitioning of food supplies by the invading armies led to massive death tolls in conquered regions, including China.
Other significant population drops
- Dungan Revolt (1862–1877): Caused an estimated
10million casualties.
- Chinese Civil War (1927–1950): Resulted in an estimated
7.5million casualties.
- Great Leap Forward (1958–1962): Although primarily a famine resulting from policy, it caused a massive population decline of over
18million people due to its catastrophic effects.
