Catalog Archive
Auction 178, Lot 589

"[Boxer Rebellion] Annual Reports of the War Department for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1900. Report of the Lieutenant-General Commanding the Army ... Part 7", U.S. Government

Subject: Document - Boxer Rebellion

Period: 1900 (published)

Publication: H.R. Doc. No. 2, 56th Congress, 2nd Session

Color: Printed Color

Size:
5.9 x 9.3 inches
15 x 23.6 cm
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This 255 page Congressional volume contains remarkable primary source detail on the involvement of the United States in suppressing the Boxer Rebellion. It contains 16 folding maps, 79 full-page photographs, and a very large Proclamation in Chinese and English (in color). Hardbound in original leather with gilt title labels on the spine.

The United States joined seven European countries to suppress an attempt of a martial arts movement (“Boxers") in China to eliminate foreigners and foreign influence, including Christianity. A short, bloody war ensued in which the U.S. Marines played a key role in the defeat of the Boxers, as depicted in the maps. The foreign forces imposed a punitive indemnity ($333 million) that weakened the government and permitted even greater foreign influence over China. It is significant in terms of the U.S. Presidency because it established the ability of the President to send troops to protect American interests without specific Congressional authorization.

References:

Condition: B+

Condition code is for the maps and plates, which are very good with occasional light foxing. Text is mostly clean and tight with a small chip at the bottom corner of the title page and the front endpapers. Both covers are detached and lightly worn.

Estimate: $250 - $325

Sold for: $150

Closed on 6/10/2020

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