Siege of Beijing

Definition

The Siege of Beijing was a pivotal military conflict during the Boxer Rebellion that took place from June to August 1900, where an alliance of eight foreign powers attacked and captured the Chinese capital. This event was crucial as it marked the climax of anti-foreign sentiment in China and illustrated the deepening crisis between the Qing dynasty and foreign influences. The siege ultimately led to significant changes in China's relationship with the West, as well as a crackdown on the Boxer movement by both foreign powers and the Qing government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Siege of Beijing began on June 20, 1900, when Boxers and Qing soldiers surrounded the legation quarter, where foreigners were seeking refuge.
2. The Eight-Nation Alliance launched a military campaign to relieve the siege on August 4, 1900, ultimately capturing Beijing on August 14.
3. During the siege, foreign nationals were trapped for nearly two months, enduring severe food shortages and constant attacks.
4. Following the capture of Beijing, the Qing government was forced to sign the Boxer Protocol in September 1901, which imposed heavy reparations and further foreign control over China.
5. The siege had lasting effects on Chinese sovereignty and led to increased foreign intervention in Chinese affairs, setting the stage for future conflicts and reforms.

Review Questions

• How did the Siege of Beijing illustrate the tensions between foreign powers and Chinese nationalism during the Boxer Rebellion?
  • The Siege of Beijing highlighted the intense conflict between growing Chinese nationalism, represented by the Boxers' anti-foreign sentiments, and the aggressive military actions of foreign powers determined to protect their interests in China. As Boxers targeted foreign nationals and Christian missionaries, their actions prompted an international response from the Eight-Nation Alliance. The siege became a battleground for these conflicting ideologies, showcasing how foreign intervention exacerbated nationalist feelings among Chinese citizens.
• Evaluate the consequences of the Siege of Beijing on China's political landscape in the early 20th century.
  • The Siege of Beijing had profound consequences for China's political landscape, leading to significant weakening of the Qing Dynasty's authority. The forced signing of the Boxer Protocol not only imposed harsh penalties but also increased foreign control over Chinese affairs. This loss of sovereignty spurred both reform movements within China and greater nationalistic sentiments among its people, ultimately contributing to the end of imperial rule and paving the way for future revolutionary movements.
• Synthesize how the events of the Siege of Beijing contributed to long-term changes in China's relationship with Western powers.
  • The Siege of Beijing played a crucial role in reshaping China's relationship with Western powers by highlighting both the vulnerabilities of the Qing Dynasty and the aggressive stance of foreign nations seeking influence. The aftermath of the siege led to a series of unequal treaties that eroded Chinese sovereignty and established foreign concessions throughout major cities. These developments intensified resentment towards foreign powers within China, leading to a heightened sense of nationalism that would manifest in later revolutionary efforts, ultimately altering China's trajectory into modernity.

Related terms

Boxer Rebellion: A nationalist uprising in China from 1899 to 1901, driven by anti-foreign and anti-Christian sentiments, aimed at expelling foreign influence from China.

Eight-Nation Alliance: A coalition of eight countries—Japan, Russia, Britain, France, the United States, Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary—that intervened militarily during the Boxer Rebellion.

Qing Dynasty: The last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912, which faced numerous challenges from internal strife and external pressures during its decline.