The Boxer Rebellion was a violent anti-colonial and anti-Christian uprising in China that erupted in response to foreign imperialist encroachments and missionary activities. From 1899 to 1901, a secret society known as the 'Boxers' sought to rid China of foreign influence and Christian presence, particularly in the provinces of Shandong and Hebei. This movement gained support from a segment of the Chinese population who were frustrated with the Qing dynasty's inability to protect Chinese sovereignty and societal values. In June 1900, the Boxers laid siege to Beijing, leading to a crisis that prompted an eight-nation alliance, which included military forces from Britain, France, Japan, Russia, the United States, Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary, to intervene militarily to protect their nationals and interests in the region.

In September 1901, after military campaigns defeated the Boxers and captured Beijing, the Boxer Protocol was signed by representatives of the Qing government and the foreign powers involved. The protocol consisted of eleven articles that stipulated significant reparations to be paid by China, the execution of guilty officials, and the provision for foreign troops to be stationed in Beijing and other areas. The agreement also mandated that China provide legal protection for foreign nationals and missionaries, demonstrating a clear expression of Western dominance and Qing weakness. While the Chinese government accepted the terms, the Boxer Rebellion and its aftermath had deep repercussions for the Qing dynasty, illustrating the challenges of modernization and the growing discontent among the population.

The Boxer Protocol marked not only the end of hostilities but also a pivotal shift in China's socio-political landscape. The Qing dynasty failed to recover politically or socially from these events, leading to increased internal strife and ultimately, the 1911 Revolution that resulted in the fall of imperial rule. The impact of the Boxer Protocol has echoed through China's interactions with foreign powers throughout the 20th century.