The Boxer Rebellion: Empress Dowager Cixi's Decree

Name: The Boxer Rebellion: Empress Dowager Cixi's Decree
Start: 1835-06-18
Location: Unspecified

The Boxer Rebellion: A Call to Arms

In the year 1900, one of the most tumultuous events in Chinese history unfolded, known as the Boxer Rebellion. This uprising was predominantly fueled by the anti-foreign sentiments of the I-Ho-Chuan, commonly referred to as the Boxers. It was a movement that aimed to expel foreign influence from China, which many Chinese people believed was eroding their cultural and national integrity. The situation escalated when the Empress Dowager Cixi countered the foreign powers imposing their will on China by officially endorsing the Boxers and issuing an edict calling for the extermination of all foreigners and Chinese Christians.

Empress Dowager Cixi and Her Role in the Boxer Rebellion

Empress Dowager Cixi, a formidable leader who effectively ruled China for nearly half a century, was pivotal in the Boxer Rebellion. Initially, she was apprehensive about the Boxers but later recognized their potential as a means to reclaim power and dignity for China amidst growing foreign domination. By aligning herself with the Boxers, she believed she could harness their fervor to protect her dynasty. This decision not only marked a significant shift in her leadership style but also ignited a violent reaction against foreign powers in the region.

The Boxers: Who Were They?

The Boxers, consisting mainly of peasants, were motivated by a blend of spiritual beliefs and nationalistic fervor. They practiced martial arts and believed they were invulnerable to bullets. Their actions were fueled by frustrations over foreign encroachments, economic exploitation, and widespread poverty. The request from Empress Cixi for the Boxers to kill foreigners galvanized their activities, leading to widespread violence across northern China, targeting foreign nationals and Chinese who associated with them.

The International Response

The Empress Dowager’s dangerous alliance with the Boxers prompted an immediate response from foreign governments, who perceived this rebellion as a direct threat to their interests. An eight-nation alliance comprising Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, France, Russia, Italy, and Austria sent military forces to look after their citizens and safeguard their interests in China. The siege of Beijing intensified as foreign troops engaged in fierce confrontations with the Boxers, leading to a bloody series of encounters.

The Siege of the Legation Quarter

During the Boxer Rebellion, the Legation Quarter in Beijing became a refuge for foreign nationals and Chinese converts seeking protection. This area was besieged by Boxers and imperial troops for several weeks. The faithful defense of this quarter highlighted the desperate situation foreigners faced amid rising anti-foreign sentiment, which had mobilized many civilians into action. The tension reached its peak with countless lives lost on both sides, and the situation became dire as foreign soldiers worked to relieve this besieged enclave.

The End of the Rebellion

In August 1900, the allied forces breached Beijing's defenses, leading to widespread destruction and chaos. The foreign powers’ subsequent actions and the harsh terms imposed on China after the rebellion marked a significant turning point in Chinese history, transitioning its relationship with Western powers. The Boxer Protocol was signed in September 1901, and it stipulated heavy reparations and foreign control over certain areas, further undermining China’s sovereignty.

Fun Fact

Empress Dowager Cixi’s Interesting Fact

Despite being labeled as a reactionary figure, Empress Dowager Cixi was also known for her efforts to modernize China. Ironically, she promoted various reforms in technology and education, even as she complexly dealt with nationalistic movements like the Boxers.