Describe and list down the reasons of why Chinese boxers rebelled
The Chinese Boxers Rebellion, also known as the Boxer Uprising, took place from 1899 to 1901. It was a violent movement in China led by a group known as the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, who were primarily rural peasants and martial arts practitioners. Here are some reasons why the Chinese boxers rebelled:
1. Foreign Influence: China had been subjected to increasing foreign influence and control during the late 19th century. Several Western powers, including Great Britain, France, Russia, Germany, and Japan, gained territorial and economic concessions, which many Chinese saw as a threat to their country's sovereignty and cultural identity.
2. Economic Distress: In the late 19th century, China was experiencing economic difficulties. A series of natural disasters, including droughts and flooding, led to crop failures and widespread poverty, particularly among rural peasants. The introduction of Western goods and technologies also disrupted traditional industries, further exacerbating economic distress.
3. Opium Trade: The opium trade, mainly controlled by British merchants, had a devastating impact on China. Opium addiction ravaged Chinese society and had severe economic consequences. Many Chinese blamed foreign powers for their exploitation of China through the opium trade, contributing to the resentment and desire to rebel.
4. Christian Missionaries: Christian missionaries from Western countries played a significant role in China during the late 19th century. Their presence and activities, including attempts to convert Chinese people to Christianity, were perceived as a cultural and religious intrusion by the Chinese traditionalists. This, coupled with their association with foreign powers, further fueled anti-foreign sentiment.
5. Nationalism: The Chinese Boxers Rebellion was a manifestation of growing nationalist sentiment in China. Many Chinese believed in the need to restore China's former greatness and expel foreign powers from their country. The rebellion was seen as a way to defend Chinese culture, traditions, and sovereignty against perceived Western imperialism.
6. Martial Arts Tradition: The Boxers Rebellion was led by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, whose members practiced martial arts. Martial arts had a long-standing cultural significance in China, and the Boxers drew upon this tradition to rally support and unite against foreign influence and control. Martial arts training also provided a physical and psychological outlet for the frustrations and grievances of the rebels.
7. Qing Dynasty's Weakness: The Qing Dynasty, which ruled China at the time, was widely seen as weak and incompetent in protecting the country's interests. The rebellion was partially motivated by a desire to shake the Qing Dynasty's grip on power and promote political change to address various grievances.
8. Anti-Manchu Sentiment: The Qing Dynasty was of Manchu ethnicity, which was a minority ruling over the Han Chinese majority. Many Chinese had animosity towards the Manchu rulers, and the rebellion served as an outlet for this anti-Manchu sentiment.
Overall, the Chinese Boxers Rebellion was a complex mix of economic distress, anti-foreign sentiment, cultural resistance, nationalism, and desires for political change. It represented a significant uprising against Western imperialism and deeply entrenched political and social issues in China during the late 19th century.