Taiping Rebellion
The Taiping Rebellion raged from 1850-1864, displacing scores of peasants from their countryside homes. Many of these peasants would find refuge in Shanghai after the destruction of their homes in the conflicts of the rebellion. Land regulations allowing Chinese to rent and buy property in the International Settlements created attractive opportunities for this new class of citizens, and many of them would seek homes in these settlements.
The large influx of new residence from refugees of the Taiping rebellion caused explosive growth in the International Settlements. New streets were constructed, along which numerous housing developments sprung up to meet the demands of such a large group of people. The International Settlements became increasingly populated by Chinese nationals rather than foreigners, which was not at all reflected in the powers governing the growth of the Settlements.
