Empress Cixi's Role in The Boxer Rebellion: a Comprehensive Study

The Boxer Rebellion was a highly significant event in Chinese history, which took place in 1900. It was a violent uprising against foreign countries and foreign religions, and it ultimately ended in the defeat of the Boxers. The rebellion was fueled by anti-foreigner sentiment and was supported by a large portion of the Chinese population. However, the role of Empress Cixi, the Empress Dowager of the Qing Dynasty, in the Boxer Rebellion is a subject of much debate. While some historians believe that she supported the rebellion, others believe that she tried to quash it. This essay will explore the extent of Empress Cixi's role in the Boxer Rebellion and assess her contribution to the event.

The Boxer Rebellion

The Boxer Rebellion was a popular uprising against foreign influences in China. The Boxers, or the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, were a group of Chinese militants who opposed foreign control of China. They believed that foreign religions and influence had weakened their country, and they sought to drive out all foreigners. The Boxers had a strong belief in their own abilities to tap into their ancient martial arts and spirit power to defeat the 'foreign devils.' They were highly successful in causing chaos in China, especially around the capital Beijing.

Empress Cixi's involvement in the Boxer Rebellion

The role of Empress Cixi in the Boxer Rebellion has been heavily debated by historians. Many argue that she supported the Boxers and encouraged their actions. It is believed that Empress Cixi sympathized with the Boxers and saw them as a way to drive out foreign control of China. Some historians even claim that she personally gave orders to the Boxers and provided them with money and weapons.

However, other historians believe that Empress Cixi was not supportive of the Boxers. They allege that she was unaware of the extent of the Boxers' actions and did not support their violent methods. This view contends that the Boxers were a threat to Empress Cixi's hold on power, and she saw them as a destabilizing influence.

Empress Cixi's actions during the Boxer Rebellion were complicated. She was aware of the Boxers' activities but did not appear to have been officially involved in supporting them. During the early stages of the rebellion, she was pressured by the government of the United States and other countries to take action to quell the violence. She made ineffective attempts to stop the Boxers, but her efforts were far too little, too late. By the time she started intervening, the Boxers had already taken control of Chinese society and were wreaking havoc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Empress Cixi's role in the Boxer Rebellion remains a subject of much debate. While some historians argue that she was heavily involved in supporting the Boxers, others believe that she was ambivalent to their actions. The truth probably lies somewhere in between. Empress Cixi was aware of the Boxers and their activities, but she did not see them as a significant threat initially. By the time she tried to quash the rebellion, it was too late, and the Boxers had already gained too much power. The Boxer Rebellion ultimately failed, and it is a reminder of the dangers of nationalist movements and the importance of balanced diplomacy in resolving conflicts.