Everything Everywhere Daily The Boxer Rebellion (Encore)
Dec 31, 2025
Dive into the tumultuous Boxer Rebellion, a fierce uprising in China from 1899 to 1900, spurred by foreign exploitation. Explore the roots of the Boxers, their martial arts heritage, and initial assaults against railways and foreign influences. Discover how Empress Dowager Cixi maneuvered to support the Boxers and the resulting siege of Beijing's foreign legation. As international powers intervened, learn about the catastrophic consequences for China, leading to reforms and the eventual fall of the Qing dynasty.
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Century Of Humiliation Sparked Nationalism
- The 'Century of Humiliation' began with foreign powers forcing unequal treaties on China after the Opium Wars and later conflicts.
- Those repeated humiliations fueled nationalist and anti-foreign sentiment across China.
Boxers Fused Spirituality With Resistance
- Economic dislocation, natural disasters, and cultural disruption helped create the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists.
- The group combined martial arts, spiritual rituals, and claims of supernatural protection into a political movement.
Qing Shifted From Opponent To Supporter
- The Boxers initially opposed both foreigners and the Qing dynasty for allowing foreign exploitation.
- Empress Dowager Cixi later backed the Boxers to redirect public anger toward foreigners and reclaim authority.