The Boxer Rebellion

In the year 1900, a group of Chinese people called the Boxers rose up against foreigners in China. They were angry because many European countries, Japan, and the United States had been taking advantage of China. The Boxers attacked foreign buildings and people. Several countries sent armies to stop the uprising. The Boxer Rebellion showed how much the Chinese people wanted to control their own country.

Why the Boxers Were Angry

For many years, foreign countries had been forcing unfair deals on China. They controlled ports, trade, and even some parts of Chinese cities. Christian missionaries had come to China and sometimes disrespected Chinese traditions. A group called the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, nicknamed the Boxers, wanted to drive all foreigners out. They practiced martial arts and believed they had special powers.

The End of the Rebellion

The Boxers attacked foreign embassies in Beijing and trapped the people inside. Eight countries, including Britain, France, Japan, and the United States, sent soldiers to rescue them. The foreign armies defeated the Boxers and the Chinese government had to pay a huge fine. The rebellion failed, but it showed the world that China wanted respect and independence. It helped lead to bigger changes in China a few years later.

Fun Facts

• The Boxers got their English nickname because they practiced martial arts that looked like boxing to Westerners.
• The siege of the foreign embassies in Beijing lasted 55 days.
• Eight different countries sent soldiers to China during the Boxer Rebellion.

Did You Know?

Some of the money China was forced to pay after the Boxer Rebellion was later used by the United States to create scholarships for Chinese students to study in America.