What were the main causes and consequences of the French intervention in the Boxer Rebellion?

The Boxer Rebellion, also known as the Yihetuan Movement, was a violent anti-foreign and anti-Christian movement in China in 1899-1901. It was led by a secret society called the Boxers, who believed that their martial arts and religious rituals made them invulnerable to bullets and other weapons. The rebellion was suppressed by a joint military expedition of eight Western powers, including France.

The French had a significant role in the Boxer Rebellion, both in terms of its causes and consequences. The main cause of French intervention was the protection of French interests in China, especially in the areas of trade, missions, and concessions. France also had a desire to increase its sphere of influence in China and to compete with other European powers.

The French intervention had several consequences. On the positive side, it helped to suppress the Boxer Rebellion and to protect the lives and property of French citizens in China. It also strengthened France's position in China and enabled it to acquire new concessions and economic benefits. On the negative side, it increased anti-foreign and anti-Christian sentiment among the Chinese and contributed to the fall of the Qing dynasty. It also led to the imposition of heavy indemnities and other punitive measures on China by the Western powers.