Summary of Boxer Rebellion Depth Study for OCR China and its Rulers A Level. The A Level OCR China Thematic Study paper has one 30 marker source question based on one of the three depth studies, and they tend to be focused on either the consequences or causes.
Depth Studies – A Level OCR China – 1839-1989
The Boxer Rebellion 1898-1900
Causes
1. Foreign Exploitation and Humiliation
China had been dominated by foreign powers for over 50 years
(century of humiliation)
1897 - ‘Scramble for concessions’ sparked by the murder of 2
German missionaries. Germany took over parts of the Shandong
Peninsula and other countries demanded different concessions
(including Britain, France, and Russia)
Therefore, fear that China would be ‘carved up’ and destroyed - led
to growing nationalism and anti-foreigner sentiments
2. Anti-Christian Feeling
Western missionaries and Chinese converts challenged old
cultural traditions (e.g. Confucianism, imperialism etc)
Christians ignored social conventions, not kowtowing to idols, not
worshipping Confucius or ancestors, and not participating in
festivals.
Missionary doctors threatened local practitioners.
Churches built on old temples.
Christianity became the focus of anti-foreignism
3. Economic Hardship
Markets flooded by foreign imports, prices reduced, and local
businesses couldn’t compete
E.g. foreign cotton was ⅓ the price of local cotton.
Foreign railways destroyed old trade routes like the Grand Canal.
Trade deficit of 69 million taels - taxes had to be raised to
compensate - further hardship on peasant population (foreigners
blamed)
4. Natural disasters
The Yellow River shifted its course in 1852, leading to frequent
flooding after 1882.
Major flooding in 1898 affected more than 1 million people in
Shandong.
Severe drought in 1900.
The Boxers blamed foreigners for destroying the land and
angering traditional spirits. They believed railways, mines and
Churches affected the harmony of man with nature.
Key Events
Rise of the Boxer Movement
1898- First mention of Boxer violence in an official Qing court
government as violence against foreigners and Christians grew in
the Shandong province.
1899 - The governor of Shandong, Yü-hsien, a conservative ally of
Cixi who supported the Boxers, made them into an official
government militia. (The Righteous and Harmonious Militia).
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller evelynmpalmer. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £5.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
