Parallel Timelines: The History of BioShock Infinite

The Boxer Rebellion – 1898- 1901

The Boxer Rebellion took place in China between 1898 and 1901. It began when a number of Chinese citizens created a society called I-ho ch'üa, or "Righteous and Harmonious Fists". Many of the members were practicing martial artists (lending itself to the Western name, Boxer) and engaged in rituals believed to make them immune to bullets. Angered by the rise of Christianity and imperialism in China, the Boxers set out to rid the country of foreigners, whom they blamed for destroying Chinese culture. Initially successful thanks to the support of the Chinese Empress, the Boxers were eventually defeated by 8-nation alliance (which included America) in 1901. Atrocities occurred on both sides of this event — the Boxers killed thousands of foreigners and Christians, but the alliance also beheaded anyone who was even thought to be associated with Boxers and there are even accounts of rape and murder.   

In BioShock Infinite we learn that Columbia seceded from the United States after firing upon Chinese civilians during the Boxer Rebellion. While it is unclear why Comstock chose to secede, we can see that eventually he turned the Boxer Rebellion in his favor. In the Hall of Heroes, where nationalist propaganda is aplenty, we can see that Comstock credits the victory of the alliance to Columbia's involvement — inevitably painting himself as the hero. The poem in the display reads:

"With yellow skin and slanted eyes
They did betray us with their lies.
Till they crossed the righteous path
Of our prophet's holy wrath. "

While I'm sure there were no cities or zeppelins in the sky bombing the Chinese, the recollections of the Rebellion within the game come across as being fairly accurate. The alliance was undeniably power hungry following their success, and Comstock was no exception.