Origin of the Boxer Movement

Author: Zhou Xiren
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: For a long time, the origins of the Boxer Movement have remained shrouded in mystery and have been the subject of diverse theories. In this book, American scholar Zhou Xiren elevates the study of this issue to new heights with meticulous historical records, a unique perspective, and innovative methods. The author conducts a regional analysis of the social and economic structure of Shandong in the 19th century, delves into the historical roots of the conflict between Chinese and Western cultures, and particularly employs cultural anthropology methods to meticulously study folk culture in the northern part of Shandong, such as temple dramas, storytelling, religion, martial arts, and folk songs. On this basis, the author provides a macro-historical summary, arguing that the "interaction" between the social structure of northern Shandong, the conflict between Chinese and Western cultures, and the unique social and cultural psychology ultimately led to the outbreak of the Boxer Movement.