The Real 55 Days in Peking: The Boxer Rebellion

This section sets the scene for the Boxer Rebellion, framing it as more than just an uprising by a cult of martial arts-practicing peasants in China against international forces. It introduces the Rebellion as a complex conflict involving attempts to reform the Qing Empire, the first international police action with unlikely allies like Japan, Russia, and Western powers coming together, and the significant Siege of the Legation Quarter. Highlighted is the boxers' belief in their immunity to bullets, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of the events and personalities involved in this historical episode.

This segment provides a backdrop of China's position on the global stage before the Boxer Rebellion, detailing how Japan's modernization and victory over China in the Sino-Japanese War signaled the need for change within the Qing Empire. It describes the Qing's half-hearted attempts at reform and the 100 Days' Reform initiated by Emperor Guangxu, which was ultimately sabotaged by the conservative Empress Dowager Cixi. The aftermath saw the Qing Empire rejecting further reforms, influenced by their ability to resist foreign pressures, as demonstrated by the Sandman Bay incident with Italy.

Paragraph 3 explores the origins and ideology of the Boxers, a movement born from societal unrest, natural disasters, and opposition to foreign influence and Christianity. It narrates the growth of the Boxer movement, its recruitment tactics, and the escalating violence against foreigners and Chinese Christians. The Qing court's ambivalent stance towards the Boxers, partially supporting them while trying to maintain control, sets the stage for the international crisis and the severed communications leading to the siege of foreign legations in Beijing.

This section delves into the early stages of the Boxer Rebellion, with the Boxers and Chinese Imperial Army initiating attacks on the foreign legations and the international community's desperate calls for relief. It highlights several key incidents and figures, including the death of foreign nationals and the initial failure of relief efforts, illustrating the precarious situation of the foreign community in Beijing and the escalating violence that marked the beginning of the siege.

Paragraph 5 describes Admiral Seymour's expedition to relieve the besieged legations, highlighting the challenges faced by the international forces due to Boxer and Imperial Chinese resistance. The expedition's eventual halt and the strategic mistakes made underscore the dire situation of the foreign contingents and the complexity of mounting a successful relief operation under hostile conditions.

This part focuses on the intense fighting and strategic moves within the besieged legations, detailing how the foreign defenders managed to recapture critical positions and utilize improvised weapons. It also touches on the internal conflict within the Qing court between moderates and hardliners, illustrating how this political turmoil influenced the course of the siege and the eventual decision to negotiate.

Paragraph 7 covers the buildup and initial stages of the second major relief expedition, including the composition of the allied forces and their strategic decisions. It highlights the logistical challenges and the fierce resistance met from Chinese forces, setting the stage for the final push towards Beijing.

This section narrates the climactic end of the siege with the international relief forces finally breaking through to Beijing. It describes the rush among different national contingents to be the first to relieve the legations, showcasing the competitive spirit and desperation of the moment. The relief of the legations and the surreal atmosphere of intermittent fighting and bizarre truces leading up to it are vividly portrayed.

The final paragraph summarizes the aftermath of the Boxer Rebellion, including the Treaty of 1901 and its consequences for China. It touches on the continued presence of foreign troops, the looting of Beijing, and the long-term effects on China's modernization efforts and international relations. The narration concludes with reflections on the Boxer Rebellion's place in history as both a significant conflict and a turning point for China.