1. By Matthew Dottinger and Katie Ford
THE boxer rebellion

2. Causes of the boxer rebellion
Took place in 1900 under President McKinley
Russia, Japan, Great Britain, France, and Germany had all established spheres of influence in China by 1890.
Nationalism and xenophobia (fear and hatred of foreigners) were on the rise in China.
The Society of Harmonious Fists, also known as the Boxers, were a secret society of Chinese nationalists that in 1900 attacked foreign settlements and murdered Christian missionaries.

3. Effects of the Rebellion
The United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Russia, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy joined forces in the Eight-Nation Alliance to put down the rebellion.
The Alliance quickly put down the rebellion and China was forced to pay a huge sum in indemnities to the eight nations.
Secretary of State John Hay feared that the force might try to occupy China, so he sent a second round of notes to the countries involved stating the United States’ commitment to:
Preserve China’s territorial integrity
Safeguard “equal and impartial trade with all parts of the Chinese empire”

4. The eight-nation alliance
This is a picture of a soldier from each of the nations. Left to right: Britain, United States, Australia, British India, Germany, France, Austria-Hungary, Italy, Japan Not represented: Russia

5. Value and Limitations
Value: This document allows us to see all of the nations together. It shows how, at the time at least, it was possible for many nations to come together for a common interest. It also shows that many countries were interested in imperializing in China.
Limitations: This document does not show the Boxers. By excluding them, it appears as though the countries were coming together to work together, rather than protecting their trade interests.

6. Us Involvement
The United States’ participation in the national force that put down the rebellion was legitimate. It was because Americans in China as well as American trade in China were endangered by the Boxers. Joining the Eight-Nation Alliance allowed the United States to protect its lives and trade. Also, as shown by John Hay’s second round of notes, the United States was needed to protect China from nations wishing to imperialize it.