"Boxer Rebellion, also known as the Boxer Uprising, the Boxer Insurrection, or the Yihetuan Movement, was an anti-foreign, anti-colonial, and anti-Christian uprising in China between 1899 and 1901, towards the end of the Qing dynasty..."
The Boxer Rebellion was a violent uprising against foreign presence in China in 1900. It was led by a popular movement of peasants and workers who opposed the foreign presence and the imposition of Western values and economic influence.
Background of the Boxer Rebellion: The Boxer Rebellion was a violent anti-foreigner movement that took place in China in the early 20th century. This topic covers the historical context and causes of the Rebellion, including the decline of the Qing dynasty and the increase in foreign influence in China.
The Boxers: The Boxers were a secret society of Chinese peasants and workers that led the Rebellion. This topic covers their beliefs, practices, and actions during the rebellion.
Foreign Powers Involved: The Boxer Rebellion was not just a conflict between the Boxers and the Chinese government. Foreign powers such as the United States, Germany, the UK, and Russia were also involved. This topic covers the roles and motivations of each foreign power in the conflict.
Siege of the International Legations: One of the most dramatic events of the Boxer Rebellion was the Siege of the International Legations. This topic covers the events of the siege, including the experiences of foreign nationals trapped inside the legations.
Response of the Japanese Army: The Japanese army played an important role in suppressing the Boxer Rebellion. This topic covers the reasons why Japan got involved and how their military efforts affected the outcome of the conflict.
Consequences of the Boxer Rebellion: The Boxer Rebellion had far-reaching consequences for China and the rest of the world. This topic covers the political, economic, and social aftermath of the conflict.
Impact on Chinese Nationalism: The Boxer Rebellion was a turning point in Chinese history and had a profound impact on Chinese nationalism. This topic covers the ways in which the rebellion influenced the development of Chinese nationalism and identity.
Legacy of the Boxer Rebellion: The Boxer Rebellion continues to have an impact on our understanding of Chinese history and imperialism. This topic examines the ways in which the Rebellion is remembered and interpreted today.
"The rebels were known as the 'Boxers' in English because many of its members had practiced Chinese martial arts, which at the time were referred to as 'Chinese boxing'."
"After the Sino-Japanese War of 1895, villagers in North China feared the expansion of foreign spheres of influence and resented the extension of privileges to Christian missionaries, who used them to shield their followers. In 1898 North China experienced several natural disasters, including the Yellow River flooding and droughts, which Boxers blamed on foreign and Christian influence."
"Beginning in 1899, Boxers spread violence across Shandong and the North China Plain, destroying foreign property such as railroads and attacking or murdering Christian missionaries and Chinese Christians."
"The events came to a head in June 1900 when Boxer fighters, convinced they were invulnerable to foreign weapons, converged on Beijing with the slogan 'Support the Qing government and exterminate the foreigners.'"
"Diplomats, missionaries, soldiers and some Chinese Christians took refuge in the diplomatic Legation Quarter, which the Boxers besieged."
"An Eight-Nation Alliance of American, Austro-Hungarian, British, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Russian troops moved into China to lift the siege and on 17 June stormed the Dagu Fort at Tianjin."
"The Empress Dowager Cixi, who had initially been hesitant, supported the Boxers and on 21 June issued an Imperial Decree, a de facto declaration of war, on the invading powers."
"Chinese officialdom was split between those supporting the Boxers and those favoring conciliation, led by Prince Qing."
"The supreme commander of the Chinese forces, the Manchu General Ronglu (Junglu), later claimed he acted to protect the foreigners."
"The Eight-Nation Alliance, after initially being turned back by the Imperial Chinese military and Boxer militia, brought 20,000 armed troops to China."
"They defeated the Imperial Army in Tianjin and arrived in Beijing on 14 August, relieving the fifty-five day siege of the Legations."
"The Boxer Protocol of 7 September 1901 provided for the execution of government officials who had supported the Boxers, provisions for foreign troops to be stationed in Beijing, and 450 million taels of silver—more than the government's annual tax revenue—to be paid as indemnity over the course of the next 39 years to the eight nations involved."
"The Qing dynasty's handling of the Boxer Rebellion further weakened their control over China..."
"...led the dynasty to attempt major governmental reforms in the aftermath."
"The Eight-Nation Alliance of American, Austro-Hungarian, British, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Russian troops moved into China..."
"Villagers in North China feared the expansion of foreign spheres of influence and resented the extension of privileges to Christian missionaries, who used them to shield their followers."
"...in 1898 North China experienced several natural disasters, including the Yellow River flooding and droughts, which Boxers blamed on foreign and Christian influence."
"Boxer fighters, convinced they were invulnerable to foreign weapons, converged on Beijing with the slogan 'Support the Qing government and exterminate the foreigners.'"
"The Boxer Protocol of 7 September 1901 provided for the execution of government officials who had supported the Boxers, provisions for foreign troops to be stationed in Beijing, and 450 million taels of silver—more than the government's annual tax revenue—to be paid as indemnity over the course of the next 39 years to the eight nations involved."