Boxer Rebellion
Also called: Boxer Uprising · Topic: Paths to Modernisation: Japan, China, Korea · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Boxer Rebellion (1899–1901) was a violent uprising in north China against foreigners and Christians. It was led by a secret society called the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, which foreigners nicknamed the "Boxers". The Boxers blamed foreign powers and missionaries for China's troubles under the weak Qing dynasty. Its defeat brought China even more humiliation.
Example
In 1900 the Boxers laid siege to the foreign embassies in Beijing. An army from eight nations, which included Indian soldiers serving Britain, crushed the rising. China was then forced to pay a huge indemnity, a fine paid as compensation.
Don't confuse with
- May Fourth Movement (1919): A protest by students and city people in Beijing. It called for modern science, democracy and nationalism. The Boxers instead rejected foreign ways completely.
Related concepts
- Qing dynasty
- Triangular trade
- Opium Wars
- Treaty of Nanking 1842
- Semi-colony
- Taiping Rebellion
- Self-Strengthening Movement
- Hundred Days' Reform 1898
- Kang Youwei
- Liang Qichao