What role did the government of China play during the boxer rebellion
The government of China played a complex role during the Boxer Rebellion. Initially, the Qing dynasty government was not supportive of the Boxers, a secret society that sought to expel foreign influences from China. However, as the movement gained momentum and public support, the Qing government changed its stance and began supporting the Boxers in their fight against the foreign powers.
The Qing government officially declared war against the foreign powers and cut off diplomatic relations. They provided the Boxers with arms, supplies, and even allowed them to occupy Beijing, the capital. The government also called on all Chinese citizens to support the Boxers in their fight against imperialist forces.
However, the Qing government's support for the Boxers was not unanimous within the ruling elite. Some officials, including Empress Dowager Cixi, saw the Boxer movement as an opportunity to gain domestic and international support, as well as to rally patriotic sentiment. Others within the government recognized the danger of the Boxers and their potential to escalate the conflict. Therefore, the role of the government was a mix of support and internal divisions.
Ultimately, the Boxer Rebellion was suppressed by a joint military expedition of eight nations, including Western powers and Japan. The Qing government was forced to sign the "Boxer Protocol" in 1901, which resulted in significant concessions to the foreign powers, including financial reparations and greater control over several regions of China. The Boxer Rebellion marked a significant blow to the authority and strength of the Qing government, further weakening their rule and contributing to the eventual downfall of the dynasty in 1911.