Map showing European presence in China during the Boxer Uprising or Yihequan Movement. This was an violent anti-foreign and anti-Christian uprising that took place in China between 1899 and 1901, towards the end of the Qing dynasty. It was initiated by the Militia United in Righteousness (Yihetuan), known in English as the 'Boxers', and was motivated by proto-nationalist sentiments and opposition to imperialist expansion and associated Christian missionary activity.