The Boxer Rebellion had a profound impact on China’s history that can still be felt today. The rebellion arose as a result of rising dissatisfaction among Chinese peasants and merchants towards what they perceived to be foreign encroachment and exploitation. This revolt against foreign influence led to a period of extreme violence and destruction, ultimately leading to the defeat of the Boxers and the emergence of a far more intrusive foreign presence within China. This event and its consequences have resulted in lasting implications for the country in terms of politics, economics and international relations.
Politically, the rebellion itself had repercussions throughout the Qing dynasty. In response to the violence of the Boxer movement, the Empress Dowager Cixi issued a decree in 1898 that gave foreigners who were “causing trouble or trouble-making” within China the power to be tried by their own countries’ legal systems rather than the Chinese law. This decision resulted in the establishment of extraterritoriality, a form of foreign control over Chinese legal proceedings which would remain in place until 1943. Furthermore, it fueled an increase in anti-foreign sentiment in the population, culminating in the upheavals of the 20th century.
Economically, the suppression of the rebellion brought about far-reaching economic changes in China. A major result of the Boxer Protocol was the indemnity payment of 450 million taels of silver by the Qing government, imposed as punishment for the rebellion. This had a devastating effect on the Chinese economy, as the amount equaled out to around 3/5 of all Chinese silver reserves. Coupled with the instability of the weak Qing government and the expense of foreign incursions, this heavy debt had a significant effect on the country’s economic development.
In terms of international relations, the Boxer Rebellion marked a turning point in China’s relations with other states. Before the rebellion, the Qing dynasty still had a certain degree of control over its foreign relations; however after the protocol was signed, foreign powers were left with a far greater degree of influence in Chinese affairs. This allowed them to exercise a much greater degree of control over China, as evidenced by the influx of foreign troops and leased territories. The emergence of Imperial Japan as an increasingly prominent foreign power following the Russo-Japanese War in 1904 further weakened China’s position.
Overall, the Boxer Rebellion had a long-lasting effect on both Chinese politics and economy, and played a major role in defining the country’s international relations. The uprising itself was successfully suppressed, however it left behind a legacy of mistrust towards foreign powers and a sense of resentment towards Asian countries that has continued to affect China to this day. Moreover, it has also helped to shape the modern political landscape in the region, with its effects still visible in the current balance of power in East Asia.