Allied Forces Capture Beijing During Boxer Rebellion
August 14th, 1900
August 14th, 1900

How Long Ago?
124 years, 7 months, 1 day ago
Location
Beijing, China
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Boxer Rebellion
People
- Li Hongzhang
- Prince Duan
- Admiral Sir Edward Seymour
- General Alfred von Waldersee
Links & References
Tags
Allied Forces Capture Beijing During Boxer Rebellion
The Eight-Nation Alliance, comprised of Western powers and Japan, occupied Beijing during their military campaign against the Boxer Rebellion. This rebellion, fueled by anti-foreign and anti-Christian sentiments among Chinese peasants, had resulted in widespread violence and chaos. The occupation aimed to protect foreign nationals and re-establish order in the capital. The military action culminated in the storming of the city after weeks of fighting, showcasing the might of the coalition against the insurgent Boxers. The entrance of Allied troops marked a significant turning point in the conflict.
Combined forces from eight nations intervened in China.
The Boxer Rebellion arose from anti-foreign sentiments.
The occupation led to significant reparations on China.
The event marked a key moment in Chinese nationalist movements.
What Happened?
The Boxer Rebellion, which erupted in China in 1899, was driven by deep-seated grievances against foreign imperialist powers and resentment toward missionaries and converts. It was characterized by violent uprisings primarily led by the 'Boxers', a secret society known for their martial arts skills. The Qing Dynasty found itself under siege, and in response to the growing crisis, the Eight-Nation Alliance – consisting of Japan, Russia, Britain, France, the United States, Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary – intervened militarily. Their intent was not only to suppress the Boxers but also to protect their citizens and interests in China.
The battle for Beijing escalated significantly in early August 1900, as Allied forces advanced toward the city. After fierce clashes over several weeks, the coalition troops succeeded in breaching the city’s defenses and entered Beijing on August 14. The occupation marked a pivotal moment in Chinese history, as foreign troops patrolled the capital, effectively diminishing Chinese sovereignty in the face of overwhelming foreign military power. The Allied forces looted, and the subsequent violence against local populations exacerbated tensions between China and the foreign powers.
Following the occupation, a series of punitive measures were instituted against the Qing Dynasty. The Boxer Protocol, signed in September 1901, established harsh reparations and allowed for foreign military presence in Beijing. This conflict highlighted the vulnerability of Qing rule and the significant influence that foreign powers held in China. It also sowed the seeds of both nationalist sentiment and reform movements that would follow in the early 20th century.
Why Does it Matter?
The occupation of Beijing by the Eight-Nation Alliance had long-lasting implications for China and its relations with foreign powers. It exposed the inadequacies of the Qing Dynasty in managing internal dissent and maintaining order, leading to calls for modernization and reform. The Boxer Rebellion ultimately contributed to the rise of nationalism in China and intensified anti-foreign sentiment, setting the stage for future bouts of revolutionary activity. The lasting resentment towards foreign intervention and the humiliation experienced during this period galvanized the Chinese populace towards the quest for sovereignty and national identity.
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