The edict issued by Empress Dowager Cixi was a significant turning point during a period of great turmoil in China known as the Boxer Rebellion. The rebellion, which began in the late 19th century, was fueled by widespread resentment against foreign imperialist encroachment and missionary activities. The Boxers, a secret society, aimed to rid China of foreign influence and kill all foreigners they perceived as a threat. In response to this sentiment, Cixi's order to kill all foreigners was both a reflection of her waning power and a strategic move to align with nationalist sentiments, seeking to consolidate support from the rebels.

As violence erupted in Beijing, foreign diplomats and their families found themselves in a precarious position, with some seeking shelter in the Legation Quarter. The edict led to a series of brutal attacks and the eventual siege of the Legation Quarter by Boxer forces. This siege lasted for several weeks, with foreign nations banding together to defend their citizens. In response to the growing crisis, an international coalition of eight nations, including the United States, Great Britain, and Japan, sent troops to relieve the besieged legations and restore order.

The aftermath of Cixi's edict was severe, culminating in the Boxer Protocol of September 1901, which imposed harsh penalties on China, including indemnities and the execution of officials involved with the Boxers. This era marked the decline of the Qing dynasty and highlighted the fractured state of China as it grappled with internal dissent and external pressures.