6.3 International intervention and the Boxer Protocol

The Boxer Rebellion sparked international intervention in China, leading to the Boxer Protocol. Foreign powers, angered by anti-foreign violence and threats to their interests, formed the Eight-Nation Alliance to suppress the uprising and protect their citizens and investments.

The Boxer Protocol punished rebellion leaders, imposed hefty reparations, and restricted Chinese sovereignty. This weakened the Qing Dynasty, increased foreign influence, and fueled nationalist sentiment, setting the stage for future conflicts and China's push for independence.

International Intervention and the Boxer Protocol

Reasons for international intervention

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• Growing anti-foreign sentiment in China fueled by resentment towards foreign missionaries and their influence on Chinese society and culture
• Opposition to foreign economic exploitation and control over key industries and resources in China (railroads, mines)
• Boxer attacks on foreign legations and civilians, including the siege of the foreign legations in Beijing and violence against foreign missionaries and Chinese Christians
• Perceived threat to foreign interests and citizens in China, with concerns over the safety of foreign nationals and desire to protect foreign investments and trade (treaty ports, concessions)

Key provisions of Boxer Protocol

• Punishment of Boxer leaders and supporters through execution of high-ranking officials involved in the rebellion (Prince Duan) and exile of other officials complicit in the attacks
• Financial reparations to foreign powers, requiring China to pay a large indemnity of 450 million taels of silver over 39 years with interest
• Foreign military presence in China established through the Legation Quarter in Beijing as a fortified area for foreign legations and the right of foreign powers to station troops in China to protect their interests
• Restrictions on Chinese sovereignty, including a ban on the import of arms and ammunition into China and prohibition on anti-foreign activities and organizations (martial arts groups)

Role of Eight-Nation Alliance

• Composition of the Eight-Nation Alliance included major Western powers (United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary) and Japan and Russia, formed in response to the Boxer attacks on foreign interests
• Military intervention to lift the siege of Beijing, with alliance forces marching on the capital to rescue the besieged foreign legations and defeating Boxer and Qing imperial forces in August 1900
• Suppression of the Boxer Rebellion in other parts of China through military operations in key cities (Tianjin) and regions (Manchuria) to quell the rebellion and restore foreign control

Long-term consequences for China

• Weakening of the Qing Dynasty's authority, demonstrating the government's inability to resist foreign intervention and undermining its legitimacy among the Chinese population
• Increased foreign influence in China through expanded control over the economy and trade (tariffs, railways) and strengthened political and military presence
• Financial burden of indemnity payments drained China's resources and hindered economic development, diverting funds from modernization efforts and social programs
• Fueled nationalist sentiment and anti-imperialist movements, contributing to the growth of Chinese nationalism and desire for independence (Xinhai Revolution of 1911)