Post 4: International Response and Battle of Peking

The Boxer Rebellion not only posed a significant threat to foreigners in China but also drew the attention of the international community. In response to the escalating violence, the Eight-Nation Alliance, composed of forces from Britain, France, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy, Austria-Hungary, and the United States, was formed. Its primary goal was to protect their citizens and restore order in China.

Firstly, after negotiations failed to quell the uprising, the Alliance launched military operations against the Boxers. The troops, including a multinational force of approximately 55,000 soldiers, marched towards the Chinese capital of Beijing. The Battle of Peking, also known as the Siege of the International Legations, marked a crucial turning point in the conflict.

Secondly, the Boxers, numbering in the tens of thousands, fiercely resisted the foreign forces, engaging in protracted battles throughout the siege. The diplomatic legations, where many foreigners sought refuge, were surrounded and under constant attack. Despite facing immense odds, the foreign forces deployed advanced weaponry and tactics, ultimately overpowering the Boxers.

Finally, in August 1900, after a 55-day-long siege, the Alliance forces broke through the defenses of the Boxers and entered Beijing. The remaining Boxers fled, and the rebellion gradually lost steam. The defeat of the Boxers not only marked the end of their movement but also highlighted the significance of the international intervention in the conflict.

In conclusion, the international response to the Boxer Rebellion culminated in the Battle of Peking, where the Eight-Nation Alliance successfully defeated the Boxers and restored order in China's capital. The intervention by the foreign powers not only protected their citizens but also served as a demonstration of their military might and influence over China. This battle and the subsequent defeat of the Boxers played a crucial role in shaping China's relationship with the global community in the aftermath of the rebellion.