The Boxer Rebellion Flashcards
(40 cards)
Describe the Boxer Uprising of 1900-01.
The Boxer Uprising was a semi-religious, anti-foreign and anti-Christian peasant uprising in Northern China, characterized by the actions of the ‘Righteous & Harmonious Fists’ (Boxers) who believed in supernatural powers and sought to exterminate all foreigners.
Explain the role of the ‘Righteous & Harmonious Fists’ in the Boxer Uprising.
The ‘Righteous & Harmonious Fists’, known as Boxers, practiced charms and rituals to invoke supernatural powers, believing they were immune to bullets and could fly, which motivated their violent actions against foreigners.
How did foreign exploitation contribute to the Boxer Uprising?
Foreign exploitation led to nationalistic and anti-foreign sentiments as China faced domination by foreign powers for over 50 years, culminating in fears of being divided and destroyed, particularly after the murder of German missionaries in 1897.
Define the impact of anti-Christian feelings on the Boxer Uprising.
Anti-Christian feelings arose as Western missionaries and Chinese converts challenged traditional cultural practices, leading to resentment against Christianity, which became a focal point for anti-foreign sentiment during the uprising.
What economic factors fueled the Boxer Uprising?
Economic hardship due to foreign imports flooding markets, local businesses failing to compete, a significant trade deficit, and rising taxes contributed to the grievances of peasants, who blamed foreigners for their struggles.
Describe the natural disasters that influenced the Boxer Uprising.
Natural disasters, including the shifting of the Yellow River and severe flooding and droughts in the late 19th century, led to widespread suffering, with Boxers blaming foreigners for the destruction of land and angering traditional spirits.
How did the Boxer Uprising conclude?
The Boxer Uprising concluded in August 1900 when an international force intervened, destroying the uprising and forcing the Qing Court to flee to Xi’an.
Explain the significance of the year 1898 in the context of the Boxer Uprising.
In 1898, Britain and other foreign powers took advantage of China’s instability to expand their territorial control, which heightened nationalistic feelings and contributed to the anti-foreign sentiment that fueled the Boxer Uprising.
What were the consequences of foreign imports on local Chinese businesses?
Foreign imports, particularly foreign cotton, were significantly cheaper than local products, leading to a decline in local businesses, bankruptcy of village industries, and rising unemployment, exacerbating the economic hardships faced by the population.
Describe the relationship between the Qing Court and the Boxers during the uprising.
The Qing Court, particularly Empress Dowager Cixi, backed the Boxers during the uprising, which indicated a complex relationship where the Court sought to harness the Boxers’ anti-foreign sentiments for its own political ends.
How did the Boxer Uprising reflect broader social tensions in China at the time?
The Boxer Uprising reflected broader social tensions in China, including resentment towards foreign domination, cultural challenges posed by Christianity, economic hardships, and the impact of natural disasters, all of which fueled a collective uprising against perceived oppressors.
Describe the factors that contributed to the rise of the Boxer Movement.
The rise of the Boxer Movement was influenced by superstition, economic depression, extreme privation, public anger over foreign imperialism, and resentment towards missionaries.
Explain the role of Yu-hsien in the Boxer Movement.
Yu-hsien, the governor of Shandong, supported the Boxers and made them an official government militia called the ‘Righteous & Harmonious Militia’, providing them with resources and ignoring complaints against them.
Define the significance of the declaration of war on foreigners by Cixi.
Cixi’s declaration of war on all foreigners on June 21, 1900, marked a pivotal moment in the Boxer Movement, aligning the Qing government with the Boxers against foreign powers.
How did the Qing Court respond to the Boxer Movement in 1900?
In January 1900, the Qing Court declared that the Boxers should not be considered bandits, and by April, they were recognized as a legal militia.
What was the situation during the siege of the foreign legations in Beijing?
The foreign legation complex was surrounded and attacked on June 29, 1900, with 450 guards, 475 civilians, and 12 foreign ministers inside, while the Boxers and Qing armies numbered over 100,000.
Do you know the actions taken by Jung-lu during the siege?
Jung-lu, the commander of the Beiyang Army, ordered his troops to fire blanks to avoid destroying the legation, which helped prevent its fall.
Explain the international response to the Boxer violence in Tianjin and Beijing.
Foreign diplomats became concerned as Boxer violence escalated, leading foreign powers to capture the Taku Forts in Tianjin as a precaution.
How did the siege of the legation complex end?
The siege ended on August 14, 1900, when foreign troops, totaling 18,000 men from various nations, reached Beijing and relieved the legation.
What was the impact of the Boxer Movement on China’s relationship with foreign powers?
The Boxer Movement and the subsequent declaration of war on foreigners strained China’s relations with foreign powers, leading to military intervention and significant consequences for the Qing dynasty.
Describe the composition of the foreign forces that relieved the siege.
The relieving forces included 8,000 Japanese, 4,800 Russians, 3,000 British, 2,100 Americans, 800 French, 58 Austrians, and 53 Italians.
Define the term ‘Righteous & Harmonious Militia’ in the context of the Boxer Movement.
The ‘Righteous & Harmonious Militia’ was the official name given to the Boxers by the Qing government, reflecting their role as a government-sanctioned militia opposing foreign influence.
Describe the circumstances under which Cixi and the Imperial Court fled to Xi’an.
Cixi and the Imperial Court fled to Xi’an due to the escalating violence and instability caused by the Boxer Rebellion, leaving the ageing Li Hongzhang to negotiate peace.
Explain the significance of the Boxer Protocol signed between Li Hongzhang and foreign powers.
The Boxer Protocol was significant as it imposed harsh penalties on China, including financial indemnities and military restrictions, while also marking a humiliating treaty for the nation.
