Plot: Peking, June 1900: The "Society of Right and Harmonious Fists", known by Europeans as the Boxers, entrapped more than 3,000 foreigners and Chinese Christians in the diplomatic quarter, in a bid to free China from the influence of the "Western devils". Ended by a Western relief army after 55 days, the siege helped bring down the imperial monarchy and precipitated a century of destruction, revolution, and ultimate renewal