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Peking 1900: Unraveling the Boxer Rebellion Campaign

Derrick Hughes

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In the annals of modern history, the Boxer Rebellion stands as a tumultuous and pivotal event that shook China and the world. In the summer of 1900, a wave of anti-foreign sentiment and xenophobia gripped the Chinese populace, culminating in a siege of foreign legations in Beijing and the brutal murder of thousands. Peking 1900: The Boxer Rebellion Campaign 85 is a groundbreaking work that meticulously chronicles this pivotal moment in history.

Historical Context

The Boxer Rebellion was born out of a complex interplay of social, political, and economic factors. In the late 19th century, China was weak and fragmented, with foreign powers carving out spheres of influence and exploiting its resources. The Qing dynasty, once the undisputed ruler of China, had grown corrupt and incompetent.

Peking 1900: The Boxer Rebellion (Campaign 85)

Peking 1900: The Boxer Rebellion (Campaign Book 85)

by Peter Harrington

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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This climate of instability and resentment provided fertile ground for the rise of the Boxer movement. The Boxers, a secret society of Chinese peasants and laborers, propagated a message of anti-colonialism and millenarianism. They believed that they possessed supernatural powers and that they were destined to purge China of foreign influence.

The Siege of Peking

In May 1900, the Boxers launched a series of attacks on foreign churches, businesses, and diplomatic missions in Beijing. The foreign community retreated to the Legation Quarter, where they were besieged for 55 days.

The siege was a brutal and harrowing experience for the besieged foreigners. They were outnumbered, outgunned, and under constant attack. Food and water supplies were scarce, and the constant bombardment took a heavy toll on their physical and mental health.

International Intervention

News of the siege reached the United States and other Western powers, who responded by sending a massive military intervention. The Eight-Nation Alliance, comprising forces from the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Japan, Russia, Germany, and Austria-Hungary, arrived in China in August 1900 and marched on Beijing.

On August 14, the Allied forces stormed the city and relieved the siege. The Boxers were defeated, and the Qing dynasty was forced to accept harsh peace terms. The Boxer Rebellion had come to an end.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Boxer Rebellion had a profound impact on China and the world. In China, the rebellion weakened the Qing dynasty and accelerated its collapse. It also led to the rise of Chinese nationalism and a deep mistrust of foreign powers.

Internationally, the rebellion exposed the vulnerabilities of Western imperialism and forced Western powers to reassess their policies in China. It also set the stage for further conflict in the region, including the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 and the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895.

Peking 1900: A Comprehensive Historical Account

Peking 1900: The Boxer Rebellion Campaign 85 is a comprehensive and authoritative account of this pivotal event. The book is based on extensive research and draws upon a wide range of sources, including firsthand accounts, official reports, and archival documents.

Author David Scott provides a vivid and detailed narrative of the rebellion, from its origins to its aftermath. He deftly weaves together military history, social analysis, and political intrigue to create a rich and engrossing account of this complex and fascinating period.

Peking 1900: The Boxer Rebellion Campaign 85 is an essential read for anyone interested in modern Chinese history or the history of imperialism. Scott's meticulous research and engaging writing style combine to create a work that is both informative and captivating. This book is a valuable addition to the literature on the Boxer Rebellion and a testament to the enduring power of historical storytelling.

Alt Attribute for Image

A panoramic view of Beijing in 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion. The city is under siege, with smoke billowing from burning buildings.

Image Credit

Public domain image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Peking 1900: The Boxer Rebellion (Campaign Book 85)

by Peter Harrington

4.6 out of 5