Final answer:
The Boxer Rebellion was triggered by anti-foreign sentiments and a nationalist drive to rid China of Western influence and missionaries. It was led by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, and after initial resistance, it was even supported by Empress Cixi, leading to international intervention and the further weakening of the Qing dynasty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Boxer Rebellion, which occurred between 1899 and 1901, was an uprising by a Chinese secret society known as the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, colloquially known as the "Boxers." Their formation was in response to foreign imperialist pressures, such as trade imbalances and the imposition of Christian missionaries, as well as internal issues like natural disasters and governmental corruption.
The rebellion's hallmark was a xenophobic crusade against foreign influence, focusing on the expulsion of foreign traders, missionaries, and colonial powers from China. Unfortunately, the movement resulted in a significant number of casualties, including both foreigners and Chinese Christian converts.
Empress Cixi initially opposed the Boxers but later supported them, believing foreign forces were invading China. This change in stance led to an international crisis where foreign diplomats were besieged in Beijing, prompting an international coalition force from eight nations to intervene. The subsequent defeat of the Boxers led to even more concessions from the weakened Qing dynasty, setting the stage for its eventual fall in 1911.