Boxer Rebellion

Definition

The Boxer Rebellion was an anti-foreign, anti-colonial uprising that took place in China from 1899 to 1901, led by a secret society known as the Boxers. This movement emerged in response to foreign imperialist influence, particularly from Western powers and Japan, and sought to rid China of foreign control and influence, which included the expulsion of foreign missionaries and Chinese converts to Christianity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Boxer Rebellion was fueled by widespread anti-foreign sentiment, particularly among the rural population who felt threatened by the increasing presence of foreign missionaries and traders.
2. The movement was characterized by violent attacks on foreign nationals and Chinese Christians, leading to a major international crisis as several countries sent troops to protect their citizens.
3. In 1900, an eight-nation alliance composed of Japan, Russia, Britain, France, the United States, Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary intervened militarily to suppress the Boxer Rebellion.
4. After the rebellion was quelled, the Boxer Protocol was signed in September 1901, imposing severe penalties on China, including financial reparations and further restrictions on sovereignty.
5. The aftermath of the Boxer Rebellion contributed to a growing sense of nationalism among Chinese intellectuals and reformers, ultimately setting the stage for future revolutionary movements in China.

Review Questions

• How did the Boxer Rebellion reflect the tensions between China and foreign powers during this period?
  • The Boxer Rebellion illustrated the intense frustrations of Chinese society in response to foreign domination and exploitation. As Western powers expanded their influence through spheres of influence and economic control, many Chinese people felt increasingly marginalized and disempowered. The rebellion was essentially a reaction against this perceived loss of sovereignty and cultural identity, leading to violent clashes with foreign nationals and local Christians.
• Evaluate the international response to the Boxer Rebellion and its implications for China's sovereignty.
  • The international response to the Boxer Rebellion involved military intervention by an eight-nation alliance that sought to protect their interests in China. This intervention not only suppressed the uprising but also highlighted China's weakened state in the face of foreign aggression. The Boxer Protocol that followed imposed heavy reparations on China, further undermining its sovereignty and deepening resentment among Chinese citizens towards foreign powers.
• Assess how the outcomes of the Boxer Rebellion influenced subsequent movements for reform and revolution within China.
  • The outcomes of the Boxer Rebellion had profound implications for China's political landscape. The severe consequences faced by China prompted intellectuals and reformers to question traditional structures of power and consider new ideologies such as nationalism and republicanism. The humiliation experienced during this period galvanized efforts for modernization and reform, ultimately contributing to significant events like the Xinhai Revolution of 1911 that aimed to overthrow the Qing dynasty and establish a republic.

Related terms

Spheres of Influence: Regions in China where foreign nations held exclusive trading rights and privileges, leading to significant economic exploitation and political control.

Open Door Policy: A diplomatic policy proposed by the United States in 1899 aimed at ensuring equal trading rights for all nations in China and preventing any one power from monopolizing the country.

Treaty of Versailles: The peace treaty that ended World War I, which also included provisions that impacted China's sovereignty and foreign relations, further fueling nationalist sentiments.