When U.S. Marines Fought in China: The Boxer Rebellion

By Capt. Dale Dye, USMC (Ret)

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#History

The turn of the 20^th century was a turbulent time in China. As usual in those days of western expansion, the U.S. military was right in the middle of it. Act One was a little known, very bloody uprising called the Boxer Rebellion. Roots of that uprising run deep and complex but it’s fairly easy to imagine something that might have happened at the start of it all in May 1900 aboard the battleship USS Oregon (BB-3) or cruiser USS Newark (C-1), two American warships moored at Taku some 115 miles from the Chinese capital at Peking (now called Beijing).

Marines of the China Relief Expedition prepare to move out in response to the Boxer Rebellion. Their mission was to relieve American and allied forces under siege. Image: NARA

Private Dan Daly of the Marine Detachment is seated somewhere on the fantail cleaning his Springfield Model 1892 Krag–Jørgensen rifle when a corporal arrives with orders. “Get them rifles assembled and make up a marching pack.” The corporal waves a hand at the shoreline. “We’re going ashore to mix it up with them Boxers.”

The USS Oregon (BB-3), a pre-dreadnought battleship, is shown leaving New York City, likely passing under the Brooklyn Bridge or past recognizable city landmarks, surrounded by watercraft and onlookers. The massive steel ship features prominent gun turrets and heavy armor, symbolizing late 19th-century American naval strength. Sailors can be seen on deck as the ship makes its way down the river, smoke billowing from its funnels. The photo captures the early days of modern U.S. naval operations and the beginning of Oregon’s famous journey around South America. This journey would take the battleship to the Pacific and, ultimately, to support American Marines during the Boxer Rebellion in China. The scene reflects the era’s growing global ambitions and the importance of the U.S. Navy in projecting American influence overseas. — The USS *Oregon* (BB-3) departs New York City on its historic journey to the Pacific Ocean. This battleship supported U.S. forces during the Boxer Rebellion in China. Image: U.S. Navy

“Is it just us, Corporal?” Pvt. Daly was a little leery of an assignment to take on bloodthirsty Chinese rebels they’d been hearing about with just some 50 men from the two Marine detachments aboard Oregon and Newark.

USS Newark (C-1), a protected cruiser, served alongside other American warships supporting the China Relief Expedition. Image: U.S. Navy.

“Relax, Private Daly.” The corporal swept an arm over the other allied ships in the harbor. “We’re headed for Peking with Royal Marines and there’ll be some Japanese Marines and a passel of troops from Germany, Italy and Austria. You got nothing to worry about.”

A formal portrait of Sergeant Major Daniel Daly, photographed many years after his participation in the Boxer Rebellion. Daly is shown in full dress uniform, decorated with several medals and ribbons that represent his distinguished Marine Corps career. His face is mature, marked by deep lines and a resolute expression that reflects years of military service. The photograph is likely black and white or sepia-toned, common for portraits from the early to mid-20th century. Daly’s posture is upright and disciplined, emphasizing his reputation for toughness and leadership. Visible on his chest is at least one Medal of Honor, with other awards signifying later service. This image highlights Daly’s enduring status as a Marine Corps legend and his lasting impact on American military history. The photo provides a sense of dignity and respect for one of the most celebrated Marines of his era. — Sergeant Major Daniel “Dan” Daly is pictured here years after his legendary service during the Boxer Rebellion. Image: U.S.M.C. (undated)

Private Dan Daly and a bunch of other Americans had a lot to worry about heading for a bloody clash with the Boxers that would develop into an infamous 55-day siege of the Legation Quarter at Peking, but they didn’t know that at the time.

The biggest mystery to most allied forces heading for Peking was their enemy. Who were these guys? And Why were they called Boxers? Answers were provided by their skipper, Captain John T. Myers, known as “Handsome Jack,” for his good looks and luxurious mustache.

Boxer Rebellion

The so-called Boxers were a growing group of ultra-nationalist rural Chinese from northern reaches of the country who organized as “The Society of the Righteous and Harmonious Fists.” They practiced mysterious forms of close combat and arcane martial arts. Hence, the nickname.

A Chinese Boxer rebel, identified by his simple rural clothing and martial arts stance, stands in a street or courtyard in Peking (Beijing) holding a distinctive flag. The flag may be inscribed with Chinese characters or traditional symbols linked to the Society of the Righteous and Harmonious Fists, the group leading the Boxer Rebellion. The young man’s expression is serious and determined, reflecting the passion and anger of those involved in the uprising. Behind him, architectural details like brick walls, wooden gates, or tiled roofs hint at the urban setting of Peking during 1900. The image highlights the grassroots nature of the Boxer movement and the strong anti-foreign sentiment that fueled their cause. His presence with the flag shows how symbolism and ritual were central to rallying support and intimidating both Chinese converts and foreigners. This photo represents the human face of the Boxer Rebellion amid the chaos and violence of turn-of-the-century China. — A Boxer rebel displays a flag in Peking. Boxers like this fought to drive foreigners and Chinese Christians out of the city. Image: NARA

Most of them were devout Buddhists and they thought Christian missionaries in China were trying to import a foreign religion. After some successes attacking remote Christian missions, the Boxers expanded their objections to foreigners of any sort, especially western European businesses they felt were exploiting resources without much reciprocal gain for the Chinese. Things got hot in a hurry as growing groups of Boxers, picking up converts along the way, headed for Peking in a bid to drive all foreigners out of China.

A Chinese Christian pastor is photographed with his family in Canton, China, in the early 1900s. The group includes the pastor, likely dressed in Western or semi-Western attire, and his wife and children standing or sitting beside him. The family appears somber and aware of the dangers they face as Christian converts in a society increasingly hostile to foreign influence. Their clothing and posture reflect both their faith and social position, set against a plain or modest domestic backdrop. This image illustrates the human impact of the Boxer Rebellion, when Chinese Christians were particularly vulnerable to violence and discrimination from Boxer militants. The pastor and his family embody the intersection of faith, cultural change, and political unrest in late Qing Dynasty China. Their story represents thousands of Chinese Christians who suffered during the uprising. — A Chinese Christian pastor stands with his family in Canton, China, during a time of intense danger for converts. Christian Chinese families were frequent targets of Boxer violence in 1900. Image: Library of Congress

This situation presented a problem for Dowager Empress Cixi (SEE-She) who had originally turned a blind eye to the Boxer attacks against Christian missionaries, Chinese Christians, and other Westerners. It seemed to her like a local turmoil in distant rural areas and not much of a threat to legitimate foreign trade. And the Empress was bound by the Treaty of Tientsin signed in 1860 following a Chinese civil war, which gave Westerners permission to do business in her country. By 1900, American businessmen — bankers, manufacturers and energy companies like Texaco and Standard Oil — were flocking to China in order to sell goods to the country with the largest population in the world.

A group of senior counsellors and advisers to Empress Dowager Cixi is shown in a formal setting, possibly within the Forbidden City or another Qing palace. The men are dressed in elaborate Qing dynasty official robes, complete with rank badges, hats, and court accessories indicating their high status. Some are seated while others stand behind, posed for an official portrait or photograph, their expressions serious and composed. The setting may include richly decorated screens, carved furniture, or other elements of imperial decor. These counsellors were responsible for providing strategic and political advice to the Empress Dowager, particularly during the turbulent years of the Boxer Rebellion. Their influence was critical as the Qing court navigated internal threats from the Boxers and external pressure from foreign powers. This image illustrates the hierarchy and ceremony of the late imperial Chinese government at a moment of great upheaval. — Senior counsellors to the Empress Dowager pose for a formal portrait in the Qing court. These advisers played a central role in shaping imperial policy during the Boxer Rebellion. Image: Library of Congress

But the Boxers were getting stronger and edging closer to the Imperial City every day. That put Cixi in a tight spot. If she openly opposed them, the Boxer mobs might turn on her government and she’d be facing a second civil war. As a compromise, the Empress officially dropped her opposition to the Boxers. At the same time, she ordered all foreign businessmen to shut down any operations in the countryside and move to Peking. It didn’t sit well with big business reps and diplomats who promptly wired their home governments for support.

A group of Chinese Christian refugees, including men, women, and children, is shown hastily boarding small wooden boats at a riverbank or port, fleeing violence during the Boxer Rebellion. Some are carrying bundles of personal belongings, while others help elderly relatives or young children onto the crowded boats. Their clothing is simple and practical, indicating they left home in a hurry, and their faces show fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty about their future. In the background, there may be other groups waiting to board, stacks of luggage, and possibly local boatsmen helping push off from the shore. The scene illustrates the desperation of Chinese Christians forced to abandon their homes due to targeted attacks by Boxer rebels. The refugee movement put significant strain on surrounding regions and drew urgent responses from foreign missionaries and aid organizations. This photo captures the scale of displacement and the vulnerability of religious minorities during the 1900 uprising. — Refugees crowded onto boats, leaving their homes behind as the Boxer Rebellion spread. Chinese Christians were often forced to flee for safety. Image: Library of Congress

With throngs of Boxers on the move, they wanted troops to enforce treaty agreements and protect their interests — plus a large segment of Chinese Christians were now now jam-packed into the crowded Legation Quarter of Peking. Most of the nations doing business in China felt obligated to comply, but in 1900 there were no foreign military forces of any nation based in China. First aid would have to come from forces aboard ships in Chinese ports or offshore.

Send in the Marines

The foreign military force including Myers and his Marines arrived at Peking in June and immediately set up camps in the Legation Quarter. It was a struggle trying to coordinate security measures since few of the Marines or naval infantry had an ability to speak any kind of foreign language.

The photograph shows a group of U.S. Marines in uniform walking along a street or alleyway close to the International Legations in Peking (Beijing), China, shortly after the Boxer Rebellion. The Marines carry rifles at the ready and move in pairs or small squads, scanning the area for threats as they patrol the perimeter of the foreign diplomatic compounds. The background features a mix of Western-style legation buildings and traditional Chinese architecture, with signs of recent conflict such as damaged walls, sandbags, or barricades. Local Chinese civilians may be seen in the distance, going about daily life under the watchful eyes of the military. The image reflects the continuing security challenges and international presence in Peking following the 1900 siege. It documents the role of U.S. Marines in maintaining order and protecting foreign nationals in a city still marked by unrest. — U.S. Marines patrol the streets near the International Legations in Peking. Their presence provided much-needed security during and after the Boxer Rebellion. Image: University of Bristol Library/CC BY_NC_ND 4.0

It was a classic “Tower of Babel” inside the legation walls, with diplomats and businessmen from America, the UK, Russia, Japan, France, Germany and Italy all demanding services and priorities. It was clear to Captain Myers as senior U.S. Marine that more troops would be needed if the Boxers — now a considerably sizable force — laid siege to the Legation Quarter.

The photograph shows the entrance to the American Legation in Peking (Beijing), China, during the Boxer Rebellion. The main gate is framed by sturdy brick or stone walls, possibly reinforced with sandbags, wooden barricades, or makeshift defenses erected in response to the siege. American flags or signs indicating the legation’s presence are visible above or beside the entrance. A group of U.S. Marines or armed guards stands watch, dressed in period uniforms and equipped with rifles. The approach to the gate may be crowded with anxious civilians, Chinese Christian refugees, or foreign diplomats seeking safety inside the compound. Architectural features such as tiled roofs, carved lintels, or Chinese script on nearby buildings indicate the legation’s location in the heart of old Peking. The overall atmosphere is tense, with evidence of recent attacks or ongoing preparations for defense. The image documents a critical site in the international defense of the Legation Quarter during the 55-day siege of 1900. — View of the main gate to the American Legation in Peking after the Boxer Rebellion. U.S. Marines and other defenders held out here during the 55-day siege. Image: Library of Congress

He fired off messages asking for reinforcements which he understood would likely take more than a month to arrive at Peking. While there were rabble-rousing Boxers all over the Imperial City, they had busied themselves mostly with attacking Chinese Christians or foreigners caught outside the legation walls. The American Marines and their international counterparts mostly patrolled within the Legation Quarter, keeping peace and planning actions if the Boxers made a concerted effort to storm the walls.

The photograph shows a broad view of the Tartar Wall as it passes near the grounds of the U.S. Legation in Peking (Beijing), China. The wall is built of massive stone and brick, towering above surrounding buildings, with crenellations and possibly a walkway along the top. In the foreground, the legation’s compound or neighboring structures are visible — low walls, courtyards, and possibly sandbagged defensive positions set up by Marines and diplomats during the Boxer Rebellion. The area is quiet but bears evidence of recent conflict, such as patched bullet holes or small guard posts. The proximity of the Tartar Wall emphasizes its strategic significance for both defenders and attackers during the 55-day siege. The photo illustrates the dramatic contrast between the ancient city fortifications and the modern reality of foreign presence in 1900 Peking. — A view of the Tartar Wall near the American Legation. The wall was central to the American defenses. Image: Library of Congress

Meanwhile, 115 miles away at Taku where various nations were attempting to muster a large force in response to pleas for reinforcements at Peking, Boxers killed a German diplomat. That tripped a violent trigger. U.S. and European naval forces seized the Chinese forts at Taku and began landing troops without asking permission from Peking. The Chinese government promptly severed diplomatic relations with all Western powers. And in a towering snit, the Empress ordered her Chinese Army forces to side with the Boxers and expel all foreigners by force.

The photograph shows a busy scene at a railway station in northern China as Allied troops — including Americans, British, Japanese, Russians, and other nationalities — board a train bound for Peking during the Boxer Rebellion. Soldiers in a variety of uniforms, some with rifles slung and heavy packs on their backs, crowd the platform and climb into open railcars or carriages. Officers direct the boarding process while porters or local workers load supplies, ammunition, and food onto the train. The train itself consists of steam locomotives and boxcars or open flatcars modified for troop transport. The atmosphere is tense but determined, with men preparing for the dangerous advance to relieve the besieged Legation Quarter. The background includes telegraph poles, stacks of crates, and the broad expanse of Chinese countryside or a makeshift station. The photo captures the multinational nature of the relief force and the logistical effort required to move troops quickly toward the front lines. — Allied soldiers prepare to board a train for the journey toward Peking, hoping to break the siege of the Legation Quarter. Image: U.S. Navy

What followed was a combined Chinese Army and Boxer full-scale assault on the Legation Quarter with small arms, automatic weapons, and artillery. It was the beginning of what was to become known around the world as the infamous 55-day Siege of the International Legations or Siege of Peking.

Manning the Walls

While they waited for the international elements mustering at the Taku Forts to ride to the rescue, the forces at Peking’s Legation Quarter were already in a fairly stiff fight. The weakest point in Legation Quarter defenses was the southern portion of the surrounding bulwarks known as the Tartar Wall. Naturally, that’s where Capt. Myers planted his Marines. It was a tough proposition with some loyal Chinese guards on the right and a unit of German naval infantry on the left. Myers had to rely on hand signals and pantomime to communicate with his flanks.

The photograph shows a column of U.S. Infantry soldiers marching in full gear along the broad, flat top of the Tartar City Wall in Peking (Beijing), China, during the Boxer Rebellion. The soldiers are spread out in a loose line, rifles slung over their shoulders or held at their sides, with some officers leading the group. The immense size of the city wall is immediately apparent: the wall stretches far into the distance, wide enough for several men to march side by side, and its height is clear from the steep drop visible on one or both sides. The background includes city rooftops, temples, or the sprawling urban landscape of Peking below, giving a sense of how high the wall rises above the surrounding area. The image conveys the strategic importance of the Tartar Wall for both defenders and attackers. The photo provides historical context for the kind of terrain faced by U.S. and allied troops in 1900 China, illustrating the monumental scale of ancient Chinese fortifications. — American soldiers march along the broad, flat top of the Tartar Wall. The photo helps to show that the wall was more substantial than what you may normally visualize. Image: Library of Congress

The Marines at the Tartar Wall were not well set up for defensive combat. The basic shoulder weapon was a bolt-action Springfield Model 1892 rifle (Krag–Jørgensen) chambered for the US .30-40 Krag cartridge. Officers and NCOs carried Colt M1900 semi-auto pistols firing a .38 ACP round. The lone machinegun available was a Colt Browning Potato Digger – the Model 1895 — which was notorious for dangerous over-heating and required a tripod. The weapon could not be fired from a prone position due to the constant downward swing of its loading lever, which earned it the nickname “potato digger.”

A U.S. Marine, dressed in early 1900s field uniform, stands at his post gripping a Krag–Jørgensen rifle with both hands. The Marine’s stance is upright and alert, with the bolt-action rifle held diagonally across his chest or at his side, ready for immediate use. The details of the Krag rifle are clear, including its distinctive side loading gate, wood stock, and metal barrel. The Marine’s uniform features a campaign hat, cartridge belt, and simple field gear, emphasizing the period authenticity. Background elements may include sandbags, a low wall, or basic camp structures, suggesting a defensive or outpost setting. The image highlights the standard weaponry used by U.S. Marines during the Boxer Rebellion and underlines the importance of the Krag–Jørgensen in American military history. The photo provides context for how Marines were equipped and the conditions they faced during overseas operations in China. — A U.S. Marine with a Krag–Jørgensen rifle on guard duty in China after the Boxer Rebellion. Image: Library of Congress

Despite the lack of firepower, the Marines had the advantage of the high ground during the initial battles at the legation walls. Assaulting Chinese built siege towers and other elevated structures in attempts to get over the walls or put riflemen into position for plunging fire.

An elevated wooden platform or siege tower, hastily built by Boxer rebels, stands just a few feet from the massive stone Tartar Wall in Peking during the Boxer Rebellion. The structure is constructed of bamboo poles, wooden planks, and rope, rising high enough for attackers to shoot directly into the defensive positions held by U.S. Marines and other allied troops below. Several Boxer fighters may be visible on the platform, armed with rifles or makeshift weapons, aiming or firing at the wall’s defenders. The background shows the imposing masonry of the Tartar Wall, with possible signs of damage or smoke from ongoing attacks. This improvised siege engine illustrates the Boxers’ resourcefulness and the intense close-quarters combat faced by Marines during the 55-day siege. The image captures the deadly standoff and the constant pressure placed on foreign defenders by innovative Boxer tactics in the crowded city. — A Boxer gun platform overlooking the Legation Quarter, Peking. The elevated platform was one of several built to assault the Tartar Wall held by Marines. Image: University of Bristol Library/CC BY_NC_ND 4.0

The key was to reach 45 feet, at which height, the Chinese could leap from the towers and assault down into the quarter grounds. Defenders fought hard to keep Chinese sappers from reaching that goal. At several times during the fighting, Chinese towers were only a few feet away from walls and snipers were deadly threats. The first four Marines killed in fighting at the Tartar Wall all fell to Chinese sharpshooters firing from adjacent siege towers.

The photograph shows a small, somber cemetery within the grounds of the Russian Legation in Peking (Beijing) following the Boxer Rebellion. Several freshly dug graves are marked by simple wooden crosses or makeshift markers, each bearing hand-painted or inscribed names or units — some for U.S. Marines, others for Russian soldiers who died defending the legations during the siege. The burial plots are arranged in neat rows or small clusters, surrounded by patches of bare earth and tufts of grass. Flowers, wreaths, or flags may be placed on some graves, left by grieving comrades or diplomats. In the background, the walls and structures of the Russian Legation compound provide context for the setting. The image captures the cost of international cooperation in the face of violence and highlights the personal losses endured by both American and Russian forces during the 55-day siege. — The graves of American Marines and Russian troops lie side by side within the Russian Legation compound. Image: University of Bristol Library/CC BY_NC_ND 4.0

The defenders at the legation walls were facing a mix of regular and irregular forces including Buddhist Boxers, Muslim Boxers and units of the Peking Field Army, regulars with tactical discipline and light artillery. When the siege towers and structures failed to breech defenses, the assaulters tried burning buildings around the legation walls. They also dug some elaborate tunnels in efforts to gain access. Defenders countered it all which led to all-out ground assaults on the Legation Quarter though a number of gates.

On the Offensive

From mid-June through early July, the Chinese pressed their attacks relentlessly. Marines were exposed to enemy fire night and day. Particularly dangerous were efforts to reach firing positions along the Tartar Wall. They had to run up a ramp which was totally exposed to incoming fire. Things got desperate for the defenders on the night of 30 June when Chinese fire drove American and German defenders off the wall entirely. It was push and shove, fire and fall back for days as Chinese assault forces steadily encroached and built taller siege towers. By early July it was obvious to all that the defenders could not hold much longer. If help didn’t arrive in a hurry, the Legation Quarter would fall.

The photograph shows a group of American troops — most likely infantry or Marines — positioned near a large mud wall in Tientsin (Tianjin), China, during the Boxer Rebellion. The soldiers are in field uniforms with campaign hats, carrying rifles and packs, and are seen either crouching behind the wall for cover or moving in formation alongside it. The mud wall is high and thick, made of packed earth, with an uneven, rough surface and occasional cracks or damage from recent fighting. Some soldiers scan the area over the wall, while others converse, tend to equipment, or stand guard. The surroundings include patches of bare ground, scattered debris, and possibly local buildings or other defensive structures in the background. The image reflects the gritty urban combat and the use of improvised fortifications in the battle for Tientsin. It highlights the challenges American forces faced in navigating and fighting around such barriers during the China Relief Expedition. — The photo shows American forces moving along the mud wall outside Tientsin, preparing for further advances during the relief operations. Image: Library of Congress

In typical Marine fashion, Capt. Myers assembled a mixed force of American Marines, British Royal Marines and some Russian Naval Infantry to go on the offensive. On 3 July, Capt. Myers led a platoon-size night counterattack against Chinese barricades and achieved complete surprise.

The photograph features U.S. soldiers standing at the base of the enormous Tartar Wall in Peking (Beijing) during the Boxer Rebellion, clearly dwarfed by the sheer height and thickness of the ancient structure. The wall, built of massive stone or brick, rises far above the soldier’s head — its surface marked by centuries of weathering, with possible crenellations or parapets visible at the top. The ground at the foot of the wall may be bare earth or paved stone, and the soldier is in full field uniform, providing a sense of scale against the monumental city defenses. The image captures the intimidating nature of the wall, which posed significant challenges to both foreign troops and Chinese attackers during the siege. Background details could include other soldiers, equipment, or parts of the city, but the focus remains on the dramatic contrast between human and architecture. This photo serves as a visual explanation of why the Tartar Wall was a strategic focal point in the Boxer Rebellion. — This image shows the sheer scale of the Tartar Wall. The ancient fortification’s height and thickness made it a major obstacle during the siege of 1900. Image: University of Bristol Library/CC BY_NC_ND 4.0

Allied forces killed a sizeable number of Chinese and drove the rest of them away from the barricades. With only two Marines killed in the action and a painful wound for Capt. Myers, the Chinese got shy again and the Legation was no longer in immediate danger of being overrun. But the heat was still on at the Legation Quarter as Chinese forces continued to attack with artillery and automatic weapons.

The clock was ticking loudly for everyone inside the Legation Quarter.

Seymour Expedition to the Rescue?

The situation was not much better among the Eight-Nation Alliance, the international forces ordered to relieve defenders at Peking. Part of the larger China Relief Expedition, an international force including more U.S. Marines plus British troops and contingents of German, Russian, French, Japanese, Italians and Austrians had boarded trains at Taku headed for Tientsin where they planned to continue by rail for Peking.

The photograph shows a busy encampment as members of the Seymour Expedition prepare to depart on their mission to relieve the besieged Legation Quarter in Peking during the Boxer Rebellion. Soldiers from different nations — including British, American, Japanese, Russian, and other allied contingents — are visible assembling wagons, organizing supplies, and readying horses or mules for the journey. Officers consult maps or give instructions while enlisted men pack tents, ammunition, and food into transport wagons. The setting is a temporary camp on open ground or the outskirts of a Chinese city, with makeshift shelters, stacks of gear, and flags from multiple nations in view. The image captures the urgency and complexity of organizing a large multinational force for a rapid military advance under uncertain conditions. The presence of so many different uniforms and languages highlights the international scope of the operation. The photo offers insight into the logistical challenges and teamwork required for such an expedition during the Boxer Rebellion. — Soldiers and officers from multiple nations make final preparations for the Seymour Expedition’s push toward Peking. Image: University of Bristol Library/CC BY_NC_ND 4.0

Organized as the Seymour Expedition and named for British Vice Admiral Edward Seymour, Commander of the Royal Navy’s China Station, the troops were stopped cold by Boxers at Tientsin. Under intense pressure, with casualties mounting, the Seymour expedition had to dig in and defend at a series of fortress structures. At this point, the intended Peking rescuers needed rescue.

The photograph shows a tense scene along the embankment of the Pei-Ho river during the retreat of the first Peking relief expedition in 1900. In the foreground, British bluejackets (Royal Navy sailors) crouch or lie low behind the earth embankment, some aiming rifles while others tend to the wounded or pass ammunition. To the right, a large Chinese junk is pulled up to the riverbank, loaded with wounded soldiers and crates of medical supplies or food. In the background, an American military detachment is visible, similarly using the embankment for cover. On top of the embankment stand a group of officers, including Admiral Seymour of the Royal Navy and Commander McCalla of the U.S. Navy, overseeing the situation and possibly signaling orders. The atmosphere is tense, with signs of recent shelling — smoke, debris, or soldiers taking cover — indicating that the area is under fire from Chinese artillery. The distant landscape shows open fields where Chinese cavalry are reportedly preparing to attack, though not visible in the image. The photo conveys the urgency, coordination, and hazards faced by the international relief column as it attempted to escape encirclement near Yant Sun and the Siku arsenal during the Boxer Rebellion. — The embankment along the Pei-Ho river provides cover for English and American troops of the Seymour Expedition. Image: U.S. Navy

More Marines landed from American warships at Taku under Major Littleton W. T. Waller and headed for Tientsin to link-up with the besieged Seymour force. With only 130 men ashore, the Marines promptly got involved in a melee with Boxers, lost a dozen men killed, and had to retreat. Waller requested immediate reinforcements to handle what was rapidly becoming a bloodbath at Tientsin as well as Peking.

The photograph shows a Nordenfelt gun, a multi-barreled rapid-fire weapon from the late 19th century, positioned on the city wall near the Great South Gate of Tien-Tsin (Tianjin), China. The gun, mounted on a simple wheeled carriage or tripod, points out over the city or across the defensive ramparts. Surrounding the weapon are sandbags, debris from battle, and the thick stone parapet of the wall itself. Nearby, members of the 9th U.S. Infantry, in field uniforms and campaign hats, stand guard or examine their newly captured prize. The scene reflects the aftermath of a successful assault by American forces during the Boxer Rebellion. The background may show distant city buildings, smoke from recent fighting, or additional fortifications. This image highlights the use and capture of modern weapons in urban combat and the strategic importance of city gates and walls in the Tien-Tsin campaign. — A Nordenfelt gun sits atop the city wall near the Great South Gate in Tien-Tsin, newly captured by the 9th U.S. Infantry. They were used by both Boxers and the Eight-Nation Alliance. Image: Library of Congress

Everyone involved in the Boxer Rebellion from Taku to Tientsin to Peking needed rescue. At Peking, defenders were starving, subsisting mostly on horsemeat. The Seymour Expedition was pinned down at Tientsin and Waller’s Marine relief force was stuck just south of that city and under intense pressure from Boxers. At that point, the U.S. Army was called in to square away the mess and pull everyone’s irons out of a very hot fire.

Turning the Tide

Mounting a massive landing and counterattack from his headquarters in the Philippines, American General Arthur MacArthur, Jr. (father of another General MacArthur who gained fame in WWII and Korea), sent two battalions of his 9^th U.S. Infantry plus a battery of artillery to China. They came ashore with orders to relieve the forces at Tientsin and then head for Peking to rescue the legation defenders.

The photograph shows a long line of U.S. 9th Infantry soldiers marching in column along a dirt or gravel road near Tianjin, China, during the Boxer Rebellion. The men are in field uniforms, wearing campaign hats, carrying rifles and full packs, and moving in tight formation. The terrain is flat and dusty, with scattered trees, telegraph poles, or Chinese farm buildings visible along the roadside. Officers march at the front or alongside the column, maintaining order as the regiment advances toward the front. The soldiers’ faces show fatigue and determination after days of marching in hot, humid conditions. This image captures the movement of American troops as part of the China Relief Expedition, illustrating the size, organization, and logistical challenges of the U.S. Army’s operations near Tianjin in 1900. — Soldiers of the U.S. 9th Infantry march in formation near Tianjin during the China Relief Expedition. Image: University of Bristol Library/CC BY_NC_ND 4.0

The soldiers attacked and seized Tientsin in mid-July while yet more troops from the U.S. Army’s 14^th Infantry Regiment plus a reinforcing contingent of Marines landed to back MacArthur’s play in China. That Marine element included an 18-year-old First Lieutenant named Smedley Butler who won a brevet promotion for battlefield valor during fighting with the Boxers.

Captain Smedley Butler, dressed in U.S. Marine Corps officer’s uniform circa 1901, sits confidently atop a sturdy horse in China during the aftermath of the Boxer Rebellion. Butler’s attire includes a campaign hat, riding boots, and a visible sidearm, marking his status as a Marine officer on active duty. The horse is outfitted with a simple saddle and bridle, and both rider and animal appear alert and ready. The background may feature a dusty road, scattered buildings, or hints of the Chinese countryside and local architecture. Butler’s posture is upright and commanding, reflecting both his youth and growing reputation for battlefield leadership. This image illustrates the reality of American military presence in China after the rebellion and captures a moment in the career of a future two-time Medal of Honor recipient. The scene provides context for the challenges faced by Marines in foreign environments at the start of the 20th century. — Capt. Smedley Butler is seen on horseback in China during the Boxer Rebellion in 1901. Butler would go on to become one of the most decorated Marines in U.S. history. Image: U.S.M.C.

With Tientsin relieved by the 9^th Infantry, a resupply route from Taku Ports was opened and secured. The American command now cobbled itself together and set out for Peking. On the march in July 1900 was a force of 20,000 men including 2,500 Americans, most of them soldiers with only a relatively few Marines.

The photograph shows a group of U.S. 9th Infantry soldiers gathered around a Gatling gun during the China Relief Expedition in 1900. The soldiers are in field uniforms, some kneeling or standing with rifles slung over their shoulders, while others position or operate the multi-barreled, hand-cranked Gatling gun mounted on a wheeled carriage. The background suggests a temporary encampment, battlefield, or defensive position in China, with sandbags, makeshift barricades, or local structures nearby. The scene demonstrates how rapid-fire weapons were deployed by American troops to provide suppressive fire and protect against Boxer attacks. The soldiers’ attentive postures and the gun’s prominent placement emphasize the tactical significance of machine guns in this conflict. This image offers a clear visual of American military technology and field operations during the Boxer Rebellion. — The Gatling gun, shown here with U.S. 9th Infantry troops in China, was a key piece of equipment for defending positions and breaking enemy assaults during the campaign. Image: Library of Congress

It was a brutal summer in China and heat began to cause casualties on the march. It was especially hard on the Marines who were unprepared for a long, blistering hot slog having spent much of their deployed time aboard Navy ships. At one point, a third of the Marines on the march fell out as heat-casualties. It was not the Marine Corps’ most sterling performance and the Marine contingent contributed little to the fight when the relief expedition battled Boxers along the route to Peking.

The photograph shows U.S. 9th Infantry soldiers gathered in a large field on the outskirts of Tientsin (Tianjin), China, preparing to begin their march to relieve the Siege of the International Legations in Peking. Troops are dressed in campaign uniforms with rifles slung and full field packs, standing in loose formation or resting on the ground while officers organize final preparations. Piles of supplies, ammunition crates, and horses or wagons are visible nearby, underscoring the scale of the operation. The flat landscape stretches out behind the men, with the city of Tientsin’s rooftops or distant walls visible in the background. Some soldiers confer quietly while others check equipment or fill canteens. The scene captures the tense anticipation before a major advance, showing the logistical coordination and readiness of American forces. The photo provides historical context for the start of the relief mission that would help end the 55-day siege in Peking. — U.S. 9th Infantry troops assemble on the outskirts of Tientsin as they prepare to march on Peking and relieve the Siege of the International Legations. Image: University of Bristol Library/CC BY_NC_ND 4.0

The international force entered Peking on 15 August with two basic missions: Fend off the Boxers surrounding the Legation Quarter and rescue trapped diplomats. Each country’s contingent had their own ideas about how that should be accomplished. Effective unity of command and control was lost almost immediately. Some contingents mounted assaults on the legation gates. The U.S. Army took the simplest route and simply scaled the walls under covering fire from soldiers on the ground. During these uncoordinated efforts, the Chinese mounted a desperate last-gasp offensive.

A formal studio portrait of Dan Daly, wearing his U.S. Marine Corps uniform with two Medals of Honor prominently pinned to his chest. Daly’s expression is composed and serious, reflecting his status as one of America’s most highly decorated Marines. The double medals are clearly visible, each suspended from its ribbon, signifying extraordinary bravery in combat. The photograph’s background is neutral, ensuring full focus on Daly and his achievements. His uniform includes service stripes and other decorations, and his posture is upright, displaying both pride and humility. The image is black and white or sepia-toned, typical of early 20th-century military portraits. This photo is often used to illustrate the legacy of Dan Daly’s heroism during the Boxer Rebellion and World War I, emphasizing his rare place in military history. — Portrait of Sergeant Major Dan Daly displaying his two Medals of Honor. Daly’s courage in China and later in World War I set a standard for Marine heroism. Image: U.S. Navy

It was during that raging fight, that Private Dan Daly started his climb from obscurity to Marine Corps legend. Manning a particularly hard-pressed position along the Tartar Wall, Daly mounted a solo defense that resulted in 200 dead Boxers. All of them fell to Daly’s accurate and sustained rifle fire. The action would result in the first of two Medals of Honor awarded during Daly’s Marine Corps career.

The photograph shows soldiers of the U.S. 9th Infantry Regiment camped in a spacious courtyard inside the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, shortly after the relief of the city in 1900. The men are dressed in U.S. Army field uniforms and are seen pitching tents, stacking supplies, and preparing meals amid the grand stone and tile architecture of the imperial palace. Ornate roofs, decorative pillars, and traditional Chinese gateways are visible in the background, contrasting sharply with the temporary military encampment. Soldiers sit or stand near their tents, some resting and others maintaining weapons or cooking over small fires. The historic setting underscores the dramatic change from imperial exclusivity to foreign military occupation. The photo vividly illustrates the international aftermath of the Boxer Rebellion and the U.S. Army’s unique role within China’s most famous landmark. — Soldiers of the U.S. 9th Infantry set up camp in a courtyard of the Forbidden City after the relief of Peking. Image: Library of Congress

Under pressure from the international forces at Peking, the Boxers abandoned the city. Many of them were captured and summarily executed. The Dowager Empress and titular head of the Chinese government fled and went into self-imposed exile for a year. The Boxer Rebellion was basically over at that point.

Conclusion

China eventually signed a Boxer Protocol, allowing all of the nations represented in the relief expedition to permanently station troops in the country. The U.S. Marine Corps took advantage of that and based the 4^th Marine Regiment in China where they remained as “China Marines” until 1941.

Under the new treaty, China was forced to pay reparations for losses and costs created by the Boxer Rebellion. They couldn’t afford it and when the returned Empress failed at attempts to strike bargains with Western businesses, the Chinese government fell.

The photograph shows several Chinese Boxer prisoners seated or crouched on the ground, surrounded by armed members of the 6th U.S. Cavalry in China during the Boxer Rebellion. The prisoners are dressed in simple, worn clothing, some with hands bound or tied behind their backs. American cavalrymen in field uniforms, armed with carbines or pistols and wearing campaign hats, stand watch over the group, maintaining a tight perimeter. The setting is outdoors — likely a temporary camp or open area near a recent battle — with scattered equipment, horses, and possibly other soldiers in the background. The image documents the capture and detention of suspected Boxer fighters by U.S. forces, illustrating the process of counterinsurgency and occupation. The expressions and body language of both prisoners and guards reveal tension, exhaustion, and uncertainty, characteristic of such moments during military campaigns. This photograph captures a direct encounter between American troops and Boxer rebels in 1900 China. — Boxer prisoners captured by the 6th U.S. Cavalry are guarded in China during the Boxer Rebellion. U.S. troops detained suspected rebels for questioning and security. Image: Library of Congress

Twelve years later the ancient Chinese Empire collapsed and the nation became a republic under Sun Yat Sen. That lasted until 1927 when civil war erupted pitting nationalist forces against rural communists under Mao Tse Tung. Sensing chaos in China in 1937, the Japanese invaded and began a second Sino-Japanese War. Japanese imperialism and conquest started there. World War II soon followed.

The photograph shows the western facade of the United States Legation building in Peking (Beijing) after the Boxer Rebellion, with numerous bullet holes and impact marks dotting the brick or stone exterior. The damage is concentrated around windows, doors, and architectural details, clearly revealing where gunfire and possibly shrapnel struck during the siege. Some broken windowpanes or boarded-up sections indicate hasty repairs made after the fighting. Debris may be scattered along the base of the wall, and the area is quiet, hinting at the building’s survival after intense attacks. The American flag or other legation symbols could be visible, signaling the building’s diplomatic role. This image captures the physical toll of the 55-day siege on the Legation Quarter and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by the defenders. The battered wall stands as evidence of both the violence of the Boxer uprising and the resilience of those inside. — The western facade of the U.S. Legation building in Peking bears the scars of the Boxer Rebellion, with bullet holes and damage visible after the siege. Image: Library of Congress

In 1900, no one could have imagined that those wild-eyed radicals from The Society of the Righteous and Harmonious Fists would have such a profound effect on world affairs.

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