Boxer Rebellion
Posted on Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 2:06 PM by Sifu Smith
The Boxer Rebellion (aka: Righteous Harmonious Fists Society), 1899 -
1901; was a group of rebellious fighters battling the 'foreign
influence' in trade, politics and religion. This occured soon after the
Japanese had defeated China in 1895 and there were territorial and
commercials concessions made to the Europeans from China. The Righteous
Harmonious Fists were a secret society that had existed for many years,
but when the 'foreign devils' had taken pieces of their homeland, the
society rebelled by supporting the ritualistic practice of Chinese
Martial Arts and Weapons.
The Society attacked foreign symbols and creations, which unfortunately
also meant Chinese Christians. In 1899, this also included a British
missionary. To 'protect' its people and interest in China, the Europeans
placed military forces on the Chinese Coast. When the British foreign
minister of Peking (Beijing now), requested protection, 430 men, that
included British and US Marines went in. The telegraph lines were cut
shortly after a request from the foreign minister urgently requested
more assistance. One of the other main targets was the Manchurian
Government figures, that were considered 'European Stooges'. The Empress
Dowager supported the Boxer Rebellion, since they were determined to
remove the foreigners and made a pact with them to turn a blind eye, and
to support.
The Japanese and European forces continued to occupy
Peking and the northern countryside, removing concentration cells of the
Boxers Society. On February 1, 1901, Chinese authorities agreed to
abolish the Righteous Harmonious Fists.
It is said that the Boxer Rebellion assisted in restoring Chinese Pride in their society. It was believed that all that had been lost was due to these outside influences and occupation. The people began to believe in this as well.
Boxer Rebellion