Huai Army

The Huai Army (Chinese: 淮軍; pinyin: Huái jūn), named for the Huai River, was a Qing dynasty military force raised to contain the Taiping Rebellion in 1862. It was also called the Anhui Army because it was based in Anhui province. It helped to restore the stability of the Qing dynasty. Unlike the traditional Green Standard Army or Eight Banners forces of the Qing, the Huai Army was largely a militia army, based on personal rather than institutional loyalties. It was armed with a mixture of traditional and modern weapons. Li Hongzhang, a commander in the Xiang Army, created the Huai Army in October 1861. It succeeded the Xiang Army. The Huai Army was succeeded by the New Army and the Beiyang Army, which were created in the late 19th century.

Founding

Before recovering Anqing in late 1861, Zeng Guofan ordered his student Li Hongzhang to bring some of the Xiang Army back to Anhui, Li's homeland, for military service, and to organize an independent force under Li Hongzhang's command. Their total strength was 25,000 soldiers. This force included some Taiping soldiers in Anqing who had surrendered. Li combined these forces into one army, and after three months of training they fought their first battle, the Battle of Shanghai (1861).

Army

An army (from Latin arma "arms, weapons" via Old French armée, "armed" (feminine)) or ground force is a fighting force that fights primarily on land. In the broadest sense, it is the land-based military branch, service branch or armed service of a nation or state. It may also include other branches of the military such as the air force via means of aviation corps. Within a national military force, the word army may also mean a field army. They differ from army reserves who are activated only during such times as war or natural disasters.

In several countries, the army is officially called the Land Army to differentiate it from an air force called the Air Army, notably France. In such countries, the word "army" on its own retains its connotation of a land force in common usage. The current largest army in the world, by number of active troops, is the People's Liberation Army of China with 2,250,000 active troops and 800,000 reserve personnel followed by the Indian Army with 1,129,000 active troops and 2,142,900 reserve personnel.

Army (Ellie Goulding song)

"Army" is a song by English singer and songwriter Ellie Goulding from her third studio album, Delirium (2015). The song was released on 9 January 2016 as the album's second single.

Composition

"Army" is written in the key of B major with a tempo of 87 beats per minute. Goulding's vocals span from B₃ to B₄. The song was written about Goulding's best friend.

Music video

The music video for "Army" was directed by Conor McDonnell and premiered on 14 January 2016. Shot in black and white, the video features Goulding having fun with friends in several settings, as well as performing the song live.

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Delirium.

Army (disambiguation)

Military groups

Other

See also