The Boxer Rebellion was an uprising against foreign influence, primarily European and Japanese, in parts of China between 1899 and 1901. It was initiated by a group known as the “Righteous and Harmonious Fists” or the “Boxers.” The rebellion was fueled by a combination of factors, including deep-seated resentment towards foreign powers, anti-colonial sentiment, xenophobia, and long-standing religious and political tensions.
Xenophobia was one of the primary causes of the Boxer Rebellion and played a major role in fueling anti-foreign sentiment in China. Traditional Chinese culture had long maintained an extremely xenophobic outlook on foreign powers, viewing them as dangerous and disruptive forces. The economic, political, and religious policies of the West, and especially Europe, were seen as direct violations of Chinese sovereignty, and many Chinese viewed Western missionaries and diplomats as agents of cultural imperialism. Moreover, foreign trade, which had become increasingly important to China in the 19th century, was often perceived as exploitative and oppressive. Thus, the presence of Westerners in China was deeply resented and generated a great deal of hostility.
This hostile environment was exacerbated by the unequal treaties that China was forced to sign in the 19th century, following its defeat in the Opium Wars. These treaties granted foreign powers special economic privileges, such as the right to buy land, exploit raw materials, and trade without duties. The treaties, which were seen as a direct violation of China’s sovereign rights, greatly angered many Chinese people, who felt that their country was being unfairly treated by foreign powers. This feeling of exploitation and injustice further fuelled xenophobic sentiment and ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the Boxer Rebellion.
Religious tensions also played a major role in sparking the rebellion. In the late 19th century, Christianity was rapidly gaining ground in China. Christian missionaries, many of whom were supported by Western powers, were seen as a direct threat to traditional Chinese beliefs and customs. The Chinese viewed these missionaries as agents of cultural imperialism, intent on eroding Chinese religion and values. This perception was further strengthened by the anti-Chinese rhetoric employed by many missionaries, who claimed that Chinese religions were pagan and immoral. As a result, many Chinese people saw these foreign religious intrusions as an attack on their culture and identity and this sense of betrayal and anger helped to fuel the Boxer Rebellion.
Anti-government sentiment also played a part in sparking the rebellion, with many Chinese people blaming the ruling Qing dynasty for failing to protect the country from foreign domination. The Manchu rulers of the Qing dynasty had been ruling China since 1644, but by the late 19th century their power had been drastically eroded due to foreign interventions and military defeats. This loss of power had left China vulnerable to foreign interference and exploitation, and many Chinese blamed the Manchu rulers for allowing this to happen. This sense of betrayal and resentment towards the government further fuelled anti-foreign sentiment and ultimately led to the Boxer Rebellion.
Lastly, international politics also played a role in sparking the revolt. The Boxer Rebellion occurred at a time when Europe was engaged in a fierce competition to gain access to China’s resources and markets. Rivalries between France, Germany, Russia, and Britain were intensifying, and these powers were eager to protect their spheres of influence in China. In 1899, the Kaiser of Germany sent a fleet of warships to China in order to protect German citizens and interests. This was widely seen as a provocation by the Chinese, who viewed it as a direct challenge to their sovereignty, and thus helped to exacerbate anti-foreign sentiment in China.
In conclusion, the Boxer Rebellion was caused by a complex mix of factors, including deep-seated xenophobia, religious tensions, anti-government sentiment, and international politics. The unresolved issues of economic exploitation, cultural imperialism, and unequal treaties all served to fan the flames of discontent that ultimately led to the uprising.