Boxer Rebellion Flashcards
In depth study 2 (21 cards)
What was the Boxer Uprising (1898-1900)?
The Boxer Uprising was a violent anti-foreign and anti-Christian movement in China, primarily led by the Society of the ‘Righteous and Harmonious Fists’ (the Boxers). It was fueled by resentment toward foreign influence, including missionaries, foreign trade, and foreign-controlled areas. It culminated in violent attacks on foreigners and Chinese Christians, ultimately resulting in a foreign military intervention that crushed the uprising.
What was the ‘Scramble for Concessions’ (1898-9) in China?
The ‘Scramble for Concessions’ refers to the period after China’s defeat in the Sino-Japanese War, when Western powers took advantage of China’s weakened position. Foreign powers forced China into a series of unfair treaties and gained control over key territories and ports, increasing their economic and political influence in China. This marked a period of heightened foreign control and the exploitation of Chinese resources.
How did Western powers tighten their control over China after the Sino-Japanese War?
Following China’s defeat in the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895), Western powers increased their influence in China through a series of “unequal treaties.” These included territorial concessions, such as the lease of ports, and economic privileges, such as access to Chinese markets. These treaties favored Western powers at the expense of China’s sovereignty, leading to widespread resentment.
What were the key stages of Britain’s expansion in Hong Kong?
1842: Hong Kong Island was ceded to Britain after the First Opium War, under the Treaty of Nanjing.
1860: The Convention of Beijing expanded Britain’s control to Kowloon Harbour, following the Second Opium War.
1898: Britain acquired the New Territories on a 99-year lease, completing the establishment of Hong Kong as a British colony.
Why did Britain control Weihaiwei?
Britain took control of Weihaiwei in Shandong province, not as a colony but as a naval base, to protect its interests against growing Russian and German influence in the region. Weihaiwei was also important for Britain’s naval operations in the Far East, particularly as it was near Port Arthur, a key location of Russian interest.
How did Germany assert control in Qingdao?
Between 1898 and 1899, Germany took control of Qingdao in Shandong province. They not only controlled the port but also gained control of the region’s railways, increasing their economic influence in the area. Qingdao became a German colonial possession, serving as a base for German expansion in China.
What were France’s interests in southern China?
France expanded its influence in southern China during the late 19th century by securing “special interests” in the provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan. These concessions allowed France to establish a strong economic and political foothold in southern China.
What was Japan’s role in Korea after the Sino-Japanese War?
After Japan defeated China in the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895), Japan gained full control over Korea, effectively turning it into a protectorate. Despite losing the Liaodong Peninsula to Russia following the Triple Intervention, Japan asserted its dominance over Korea, marking the beginning of its imperial ambitions in East Asia.
How did Russia increase its influence in northern China?
In response to Japan’s increasing power, Russia strengthened its hold over regions in northern China, particularly Outer Mongolia and Manchuria. Russia also gained control over Port Arthur (Lushun), which became a strategically important military base, fueling tensions with Japan and other Western powers.
What was the USA’s “Open Door” policy in China?
The “Open Door” policy, introduced by the United States in 1899, aimed to ensure that China remained open to trade with all foreign nations, preventing any single country from monopolizing trade or control over China. The policy sought to maintain China’s territorial integrity while allowing the USA to compete with European powers for trade rights.
How did the USA’s imperial interests evolve in the late 19th century?
While the USA traditionally opposed colonialism, it began to develop its own form of imperialism focused on the Pacific and East Asia. The USA sought to assert influence in the region, particularly in China and the Philippines, and protect its economic and political interests through policies like the “Open Door” and territorial acquisitions.
What was John Hay’s warning regarding China in 1899?
In 1899, US Secretary of State John Hay warned European powers that the USA would not tolerate any single nation gaining control over China’s economy. He emphasized that China should remain open to trade with all countries on equal terms, reinforcing the principles of the “Open Door” policy.
What were the “100 Days” reforms in China?
In 1898, the Qing government, feeling pressure from foreign powers and internal critics, attempted a series of reforms known as the “100 Days” reforms. These aimed to modernize China’s civil service, education system, and industries based on Western models. The reforms were led by Emperor Guangxu and supported by reformers but met resistance from conservative elements, particularly Empress Dowager Cixi.
What was the Boxer Rebellion, and when did it occur?
The Boxer Rebellion (1899-1900) was an anti-foreign, anti-Christian uprising in China. The Boxers, a group of nationalist militants, carried out violent attacks against foreigners and Chinese Christians. The uprising was fueled by resentment toward foreign control and the Qing Dynasty’s failure to resist foreign pressures. It culminated in a siege of foreign legations in Beijing and was eventually suppressed by an international military force.
What were the origins of the Boxer Movement?
The Boxer Movement, also known as the Society of the ‘Righteous and Harmonious Fists,’ was formed by peasants and workers suffering from crop failures and natural disasters, Chinese gentry who felt humiliated by foreign domination, and the Qing government, which sought to regain prestige after China’s defeat by Japan. The movement targeted foreigners, Chinese Christians, and Chinese collaborators.
What beliefs and practices were associated with the Boxer Uprising?
The Boxers believed in supernatural powers to protect them from bullets and harm, often practicing martial arts, training their bodies, and entering trances to resist injuries. They also relied on traditional weapons like swords and lances, avoiding firearms. The movement also featured the “Shining Red Lanterns,” an all-female unit, which was a rare occurrence in Chinese history.
Why did the Boxer Uprising fail?
The Boxer Uprising failed due to several factors, including limited support from southern China, lack of unity among Boxer groups, weak leadership, and resistance from the Chinese gentry. The Boxers also lacked the military strength to compete with modern foreign armies, and Empress Dowager Cixi’s misjudgment in not garnering support from key regional leaders weakened their position.
What were the consequences of the Boxer Uprising?
The Boxer Protocol (1901) imposed heavy penalties on China, including paying reparations, destroying arsenals and fortifications, and allowing foreign troops to stay in Beijing. The Qing government was also forced to punish those who supported the Boxers, including the imperial court. The uprising led to further humiliation and loss of prestige for the Qing dynasty.
What role did Sino-Western hostility play after the Boxer Uprising?
Sino-Western hostility deepened after the Boxer Uprising. While Western powers exaggerated the brutality of the Boxers, their own military actions were equally ruthless, with widespread atrocities committed by foreign soldiers. The conflict reinforced negative stereotypes of China, fueling Western fears of “the yellow peril” while damaging China’s international reputation.
What were the effects of the Boxer Protocol on Empress Dowager Cixi?
The Boxer Protocol severely damaged Empress Dowager Cixi’s reputation. Although the war-criminal charges against her were later dropped, her support for the Boxers left her with little public support. Upon her return to Beijing, she faced widespread disillusionment with her leadership, as many Chinese saw her failure to defend the nation as evidence of her incompetence.
How is the Boxer Uprising viewed by historians today?
The Boxer Uprising is seen as a complex event driven by various factors, including anti-colonial sentiment, economic hardship, and peasant rebellion. Some historians view it as an early example of resistance against colonialism, while others see it as part of a broader pattern of Chinese peasant uprisings. It remains a significant chapter in China’s struggle against foreign domination.
