Cixi, also known as Empress Dowager Cixi, was the de facto ruler of China during the late Qing dynasty. She played a significant role in Chinese history, particularly during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900.
Key Facts
- Boxer Rebellion: The Boxer Movement, a Chinese nationalist and anti-imperialist uprising, took place from May 11, 1900, to September 7, 1901. The Boxers rebelled against the Manchu government and targeted foreigners and Chinese Christians.
- Allied Intervention: In response to the Boxer Rebellion, an international coalition of forces, including troops from Britain, Germany, Russia, France, Japan, the United States, and Italy, intervened against the Boxer rebels. They deployed naval ships and troops to China to protect foreign interests and suppress the rebellion.
- Siege of the Foreign Legations: During the Boxer Rebellion, government troops and Boxer rebels laid siege to the foreign legations in Beijing, where many foreigners sought refuge. The siege lasted for 55 days, from June 20 to August 14, 1900. The Allied Expeditionary Force eventually relieved the legations and captured Beijing.
Boxer Rebellion
The Boxer Rebellion was a violent uprising that targeted foreigners and Chinese Christians in China. It began in May 1900 and spread throughout the country, leading to widespread violence and the deaths of many foreigners and Chinese.
Cixi’s Role in the Boxer Rebellion
Cixi initially supported the Boxer movement, seeing it as a way to expel foreigners from China. However, as the rebellion grew out of control and threatened the stability of the Qing dynasty, she changed her stance and ordered the suppression of the Boxers.
Allied Intervention
In response to the Boxer Rebellion, an international coalition of forces intervened in China. The Allied forces, which included troops from several countries, deployed naval ships and troops to China to protect foreign interests and suppress the rebellion.
Siege of the Foreign Legations
During the Boxer Rebellion, government troops and Boxer rebels laid siege to the foreign legations in Beijing, where many foreigners sought refuge. The siege lasted for 55 days, from June 20 to August 14, 1900. The Allied Expeditionary Force eventually relieved the legations and captured Beijing.
Cixi’s Legacy
Cixi’s role in the Boxer Rebellion remains controversial. Some historians argue that she initially supported the Boxers but later realized the threat they posed to the Qing dynasty. Others believe that she was more actively involved in the rebellion and used it to consolidate her power.
Despite her role in the Boxer Rebellion, Cixi is also remembered for her efforts to modernize China. She introduced a number of reforms, including the establishment of a modern education system and the adoption of Western technology. However, her efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and the Qing dynasty collapsed in 1912.
Sources
- List of Chinese leaders
- List of state representatives of the People’s Republic of China
- China (1900-present)
FAQs
Who was the leader of China in 1900?
Cixi, also known as Empress Dowager Cixi, was the de facto ruler of China during the late Qing dynasty, including in 1900.
What was the Boxer Rebellion?
The Boxer Rebellion was a violent uprising that targeted foreigners and Chinese Christians in China from May 1900 to September 1901.
What was Cixi’s role in the Boxer Rebellion?
Cixi initially supported the Boxer movement, but later ordered the suppression of the Boxers as the rebellion grew out of control and threatened the stability of the Qing dynasty.
What was the Allied Intervention?
The Allied Intervention was an international coalition of forces that intervened in China in response to the Boxer Rebellion. The Allied forces, which included troops from several countries, deployed naval ships and troops to China to protect foreign interests and suppress the rebellion.
What was the Siege of the Foreign Legations?
The Siege of the Foreign Legations was a 55-day siege of the foreign legations in Beijing by government troops and Boxer rebels from June 20 to August 14, 1900. The Allied Expeditionary Force eventually relieved the legations and captured Beijing.
What was Cixi’s legacy?
Cixi’s role in the Boxer Rebellion remains controversial, but she is also remembered for her efforts to modernize China, including the establishment of a modern education system and the adoption of Western technology.
What was the significance of 1900 in Chinese history?
The year 1900 was a significant year in Chinese history due to the Boxer Rebellion and the Allied Intervention that followed. These events had a major impact on China’s relations with foreign powers and contributed to the decline of the Qing dynasty.
What are some other important events that happened in China in 1900?
In addition to the Boxer Rebellion and the Allied Intervention, other important events that happened in China in 1900 include the establishment of the Peking University and the signing of the Boxer Protocol, which ended the Boxer Rebellion and imposed reparations on China.