Introduction
The Siege of the International Legations was a pivotal event that took place during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. This historical event saw a siege of foreign diplomats, their families, and legation guards trapped in Beijing’s diplomatic quarter by Chinese nationalists. It is an important chapter in modern history, highlighting critical topics such as colonialism, international relations, and rapid cultural changes. As educators, it’s essential to teach students about this significant event to develop their understanding of world history. This article will discuss methods and resources educators can use to effectively teach students about the Siege of the International Legations.
Step 1: Begin with Background Information
Before diving into the specifics of the incident, it’s crucial to establish a foundation by providing students with a solid understanding of the context leading up to it. Educators should first cover the political background at that time—China’s declining influence on the global stage and the rise of Western imperial powers seeking control within its borders. Students must learn about the Open Door Policy and how it weakened China’s sovereignty, eventually leading to anti-foreign sentiment and unrest.
Step 2: Introduce Key Figures
Teaching students about prominent figures from different sides of this conflict will facilitate a better understanding of motivations behind each group’s actions. While discussing these key figures—such as Empress Dowager Cixi and General Ronglu on China’s side and various diplomats like German Klemens Freiherr von Ketteler on Western powers’ side—educators should emphasize their individual goals and aspirations.
Step 3: Delve into the Boxer Rebellion
Detailing how discontent fostered among Chinese society towards foreigners and Christian missionaries led to The Boxer Rebellion is crucial before introducing students to The Siege itself. Explain how this rebellion provided an opportunity for Empress Dowager Cixi to seize control and use the Boxers as an instrument against foreign legations in Beijing.
Step 4: Discuss the Siege Itself
Educators should break down the timeline and important events that occurred during the 55-day siege. Highlight key aspects, such as the desperate conditions within the diplomatic quarter, the impact of international forces, and finally, the legations’ rescue by the Eight-Nation Alliance. This analysis will give students a comprehensive understanding of how different nations cooperated to counter Chinese nationalists and put an end to this tumultuous episode.
Step 5: The Aftermath of the Siege
Conveying how the aftermath of the siege impacted China, as well as the future of international relations and imperialism, is essential to ensure students comprehend its overall significance. Discuss the signing of the Boxer Protocol and how it intensified China’s humiliation and financial burden, as well as early seeds of Chinese nationalism that would lead to later revolutions.
Conclusion
By using various teaching methods such as primary sources like diaries, photographs, maps, and engaging in discussions or debates about motives and consequences of this event, educators can effectively teach students about the Siege of International Legations in a detailed and captivating way. Undeniably, learning about this crucial moment in history will provide students with essential context to understand present-day international relations and global politics.
