Fists of Righteousness and Harmony in the Struggle Against Imperialists

Abstract

After the invasion of the Chinese territory by Western imperialist forces in the nineteenth century, the Qing Dynasty was forced into signing agreements which heavily compromised its sovereignty. The Chinese people suffered numerous humiliations and defeats at the hand of the foreigners who ruthlessly imposed political, economic and cultural changes which clashed with the traditional Chinese values and views. They were met with strong resistance, culminating in 1900 with the so·called Boxer Uprising (or Rebellion). A popular anti-imperialist movement developed under the leadership of a clandestine society that called themselves 'Fists of Righteousness and Harmony' (Yihequan) and were known among foreigners as the Boxers. The movement also enjoyed the support of a xenophobic and conservative Empress Cixi who incorporated the rebels into her army and, on 19 June 1900, declared war on the imperialist powers. After almost two months of battles, the movement was finally suppressed by a combined army of eight countries (Great Britain, United Statesof America, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, Italy and Austria-HwIgary), The Qing Dinasty was forced into signi"g a peace treaty, thereby accepting stringent conditions dictated by the foreigners. As a result, the foreign occupying forces further strengthened their presence on Chinese soil.