18 June 1900
Boxer rebellion

Previous event | Timeline | Next event

Many European powers and the United States are active in China, developing trade, seizing control of land and spreading their influence through Christian missionaries. Britain has had a strong presence in China since the 1839 Opium War and is competing with Germany and Russia to keep control of key areas.

In 1899, with the connivance of the dowager empress, a number of young Chinese men form a secret martial arts society called 'Harmonious Fists' (hence 'Boxers'). Resentment of the Western nations' take-over of various areas of China leads to an uprising against foreigners, especially Christian missionaries. In June the following year, it culminates, in a rebellion, which, following the assassination of the German ambassador, develops into a siege of the foreigners' legation district in Peking.

A joint force of American, British, French, German, Japanese and Russian troops takes the city on 14 August and a peace treaty is signed in September. Its terms are punishing for the Chinese, who must pay a huge indemnity over 40 years, and accept foreign troops being stationed on their soil.

Top