Hong Gyeong-Rae's Rebellion also known as the Gwanseo Peasant War was an armed rebellion from January 31, 1812—May 29, 1812, led by Hong Gyeong-Rae and the yangban of Pyeongan Province who were unhappy with their treatment by the central government, and an oppressive de facto tax regime based on government-administered high-interest loans and perhaps by rivalries among yangban groups. Impoverished farmers joined them following a year of exceptionally poor harvest, who nevertheless were forced to contribute to a "grain fund," which amounted to an excessive tax. On January 31, 1812 (solar calendar), he led an insurrection against the Joseon Dynasty, which was initially quite successful. At its height, the rebellion controlled most of the area north of the Cheongcheon River, including the town of Jeongju, which was fortified to withstand invasions from Manchuria (part of the Qing Empire). Whenever the rebels took over a district, they opened the government granaries and distributed the grain to the people. However, the rebels suffered disastrous defeats in the battles of Pine Grove and Four Pine Field and were forced to withdraw to Jeongju, which came under siege by government forces. The rebellion was put down a few months later, on May 29, when the government forces breached the town wall with a gunpowder charge. Hong Gyeong-Rae was killed in the fighting. Other rebel leaders were also killed in battle or executed. Thousands of people caught up in the uprising, including boys as young as 10, were also executed. Although it failed, Hong Gyeong-Rae's rebellion may have provided momentum for other popular armed uprisings in different parts of Korea seeking a more just society. The culmination of these was the Donghak Rebellion in 1894, centered in southern province of Jeolla. Background Sunjo ascended the throne at a young age, Queen Dowager Jeongsun, the second queen of King Yeongjo, ruled as queen regent, which allowed her to wield power over state affairs. Despite King Sunjo's efforts to reform politics, the fundamental principles of government deteriorated. The state examination became disordered, and corruption in the government personnel administration prevailed, resulting in disorder in society and riots among the people. Factors of discontent Many social, political, economic, and intellectual factors potentially led to the rebellion. Among those considered by Sun Joo Kim, author of a treatise on this topic, include: Poverty and discontent among the farmers in Pyongan Province. These were brought on by the naturally low