Boxer Rebellion | Short History |

During the 19th Century, European Nations began encroaching on China during their century of humiliation. Great Britain, France, German Empire, Russian Empire, Japan, and other nations had established foreign enclave concessions in spheres of influence in China. China didn't welcome the foreigners, modernization, and religion that the Europeans brought. In response, a group of Shandong Warriors formed a righteous and harmonious society. They believed that Spirit possessions made them invincible and would impress locals by putting on performances and displaying their martial arts skills for which they earned their nickname “Boxers”. Between 100,000 to 300,000 men who were mainly unemployed people joined the Boxers during the uprising violence erupted in the late 1890s Boxers and other similar groups attacked Churches and missionaries. Shortly afterward a small group of Boxers fought with the Chinese Army however in the middle of the battle the Boxers were ordered to support them and destroy the Foreigners in 1898 China also saw Empress Dowager Cixi was descended through the throne after failed modernization policies. In 1900 the Empress issued edicts to defend the Boxers with the hope that they would get rid of China's foreign influence. The increasing Boxers started moving from Shandong towards Peking in May 1900, and European Diplomats called for foreign assistance to defend the foreign quarters of the city. Only 400 naval troops from 8 Separate Nations were able to arrive at Peking the Soldiers were from Great Britain, the United States, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, Austria, and Italy. As fighting broke out at Peking between the Boxers and the Foreign Troops from different Countries more reinforcements were being requested about 2,000 in total from these eight Nations ad before landed at Tianjin and began marching towards Peking however they had not asked permission to the land which disturbs China who now saw as an Invasion. The Chinese Government saw to allying themselves with the Boxers and Attacking the Foreigners of China. With the New Alliances with the Boxers and China, they were able to defeat the Invaders in the battle forcing them into retreat back to Beijing. On June 20th, the Siege of the Legation Quarters had begun. The Legation Quarters we're located near the Forbidden City with the Empress living inside only around 400 troops, 400 Foreigners, and 3,000 Chinese Christians although the Chinese have Thousands of Men at their disposal they first tried to burn the Defenders out when they were small assaults were repulsed off. In the North, 100,000 Russian Troops moved into Manchuria they defeated the Boxers who were harassing the construction of the Russian Railway line in the region and within a couple of months, they occupied all of Manchuria. 50,000 Troops from eight nations had been recruiting troops for a while and on July 14th, This Major Army prepared to move towards Peking to relieve the Besieged. This Army arrived in Peking in Mid-August and defeated the Chinese ending the 55 Day Long Siege even though fighting was finished there were numerous atrocities committed after the war. Looting, Raping, and Killing were common in some places. The Empress Dowager fled the City and had agreed to Surrender. The Treaty forced the Chinese to pay War Reparations and give the European Powers even more enclaves and concessions. Russia continued to occupy Manchuria which resulted in the Russo-Japanese War couple of years later.

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