The Boxer Uprising

What was the Boxer Uprising?

The Boxer Uprising was an anti-foreigner attack led by Chinese peasants.

Who led the Boxer Uprising?

A secret organisation, the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, began the attacks before they became more widespread among peasants.

When did the Boxer Uprising happen?

The Boxer Uprising took place between 2nd November 1899 and 7th September 1901.

Why did the Boxer Uprising happen?

There were 3 main causes of the Boxer Uprising:

• ❖ During an attempt to modernise, Emperor Guangxu was overthrown by his aunt, Empress Dowager Cixi. Cixi opposed the privileges being given to foreigners in China.
• ❖ The Chinese had a deep-rooted hatred towards the 'foreign devils', as they were seen to be changing the usual way of life and attacking the traditional religions.
• ❖ As a way of avoiding criticism, Cixi promoted the 'foreign devils' as a common enemy of the people. She scapegoated them and encouraged violent attacks against them.

What were the key events of the Boxer Uprising?

There were 7 key events which happened during the Boxer Uprising:

• ❖ Peasants had suffered from many natural disasters during the late 1890s.
• ❖ The Boxers began attacking foreigners and Christians.
• ❖ Attacks started in the east coast province of Shandong before spreading further north east to locations such as Shanxi.
• ❖ The uprising arrived in Beijing and the German ambassador, Clemens von Ketteler, was killed.
• ❖ Panicked, westerners sought refuge in the British Legation. Around 3,000 westerners and Chinese Christians were besieged for 55 days.
• ❖ Cixi backed the Boxers and declared war. However, the forces were unable to overcome the legation's defences. An international military force was sent, which defeated the Boxers.
• ❖ Cixi, escaping potential capture, hid herself as a peasant among the population and fled to Xian.

What was the impact of the Boxer Uprising?

There were 5 key consequences for the failed Boxer Uprising, which continued to weaken China:

• ❖ The Qing dynasty suffered damage to its reputation. This imposed another Western defeat on the Chinese.
• ❖ The Chinese were forced to pay reparations of $330 million over the next 39 years.
• ❖ China's military fortifications, defences and weapons were destroyed.
• ❖ International forces were permanently placed in locations across Beijing and 10 officials were executed for their roles.
• ❖ The failed attempt to get rid of foreigners convinced Cixi that reforms must happen. However, the reforms were unsuccessful and led to the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911.