Cao Futian facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cao Futian 曹福田
Depiction of Cao Futian on horseback
Born	19th century Jinghai Town, Qing dynasty
Died	1901 Jinghai Town, Qing dynasty
Allegiance	Yìhéquán
Memorials	Memorial Hall of the Boxer Uprising

Cao Futian (Chinese: 曹福田) was a Chinese nationalist and a key leader of the Boxers during the Boxer Uprising. He was put to death in 1901.

About Cao Futian

Not much is known about Cao Futian's early life. He was born in the 1800s in a place called Jinghai, in China's Zhili province.

A Leader of the Boxers

Cao Futian was once a soldier. He became a strong leader and gathered a group of people in Tianjin. This group included many who had lost their jobs, as well as young people and others who were upset with the changes happening in China. He was very skilled in Kung Fu and could inspire many followers.

Cao Futian strongly disliked foreigners. He was especially against the "foreign concessions," which were areas in Chinese cities controlled by other countries. He also opposed the spread of Christianity by missionaries. He believed that Chinese people who became Christians were harming traditional Chinese culture.

Boxer Uprising and Imperial Support

At first, Cao Futian and his group fought against the Chinese Imperial Army in 1899. However, the Chinese government, known as the Qing dynasty, was divided. Some officials supported the Boxers. Prince Duan, a powerful supporter of the Boxers, even helped Cao Futian meet with Empress Dowager Cixi, who was a very important ruler. To show his support, the crown prince wore a Boxer uniform during their meeting.

Many Boxers believed Cao Futian had special powers. They thought he could disappear or be in two places at once. This made him a very respected spiritual leader among them.

Headquarters and Capture

In 1900, Cao Futian set up his main base in Tianjin. It was in an old temple that is now the Memorial Hall of the Boxer Uprising, also known as the Boxer Museum.

On July 14, 1900, Tianjin was taken over by an international army called the Eight-Nation Alliance. Cao Futian was there but managed to escape to Jinghai. In May 1901, the government caught him.

Cao Futian was put to death in 1901 after his capture in Jinghai. He was accused of trying to start more conflict.

See also

In Spanish: Cao Futian para niños