key term - Boxers

Definition

The Boxers were members of a Chinese secret society known as the Yihequan, who led an anti-foreign and anti-Christian uprising in China between 1899 and 1901. Their movement was fueled by widespread discontent with foreign imperialism, economic exploitation, and cultural interference, which led to violent protests and attacks against foreign nationals and Chinese Christians.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Boxer movement began as a response to the increasing influence of foreign powers in China, particularly after the Opium Wars and subsequent treaties that favored Western nations.
2. The Boxers believed that through physical training and spiritual rituals, they could become invulnerable to bullets, which they used to justify their violent actions against foreign invaders.
3. The Qing Dynasty initially opposed the Boxers but later supported them as a way to regain control over the unrest caused by foreign influence.
4. The uprising escalated into a full-blown rebellion, resulting in the siege of Beijing and significant violence against foreigners and Chinese Christians.
5. The Boxer Protocol was signed in September 1901, imposing harsh penalties on China, including indemnities to foreign nations and military presence to safeguard foreign interests.

Review Questions

• How did the socio-economic conditions in China contribute to the rise of the Boxer movement?
  • The socio-economic conditions in China during the late 19th century were marked by widespread poverty, famine, and dissatisfaction with both local governance and foreign exploitation. The influx of foreign goods and the dominance of foreign powers through spheres of influence led to significant economic strain on local industries and farming communities. This discontent created fertile ground for the Boxers' anti-foreign sentiment, as many people sought to reclaim their culture and independence from external pressures.
• Evaluate the role of the Qing Dynasty's response to the Boxer Rebellion in shaping China's political landscape.
  • Initially, the Qing Dynasty was hesitant to support the Boxers due to their violent methods. However, as public sentiment shifted towards nationalism, the Qing government began to align itself with the Boxers in hopes of regaining control over national sovereignty. This ambivalence ultimately weakened the Qing's authority, leading to greater internal strife and contributing to revolutionary movements that culminated in the fall of the dynasty in 1911.
• Assess how the Boxer Rebellion influenced China's relations with foreign powers in the early 20th century.
  • The Boxer Rebellion significantly impacted China's relations with foreign powers by exposing vulnerabilities within the Qing Dynasty and prompting a military intervention by an Eight-Nation Alliance. The aftermath of the rebellion led to the imposition of the Boxer Protocol, which forced China to accept extensive foreign control over its internal affairs. This not only deepened resentment among Chinese nationalists but also contributed to a shift towards reformist ideologies that aimed to modernize China and reduce dependence on foreign powers, setting the stage for further revolutionary movements.

Related terms

Boxer Rebellion:

A violent uprising in China from 1899 to 1901, led by the Boxers against foreign influence and intervention in Chinese affairs.

Spheres of Influence: Areas within China where foreign powers had exclusive rights and privileges, contributing to resentment among Chinese nationalists.

Eight-Nation Alliance: A coalition of eight countries that intervened militarily during the Boxer Rebellion to protect their nationals and maintain their interests in China.