Event Details
In 1898, shortly after beginning a second stint leading the embassy in steamy Rio Janeiro, Iowans Edwin H. Conger and Sarah Pike Conger received notice that President McKinley had appointed Edwin to lead the US legation to the Qing Empire, half a world away. In this Iowa History 101, Dr. Andrew Klumpp, editor of the Annals of Iowa, explores the lives of two Iowans whose service led them from leading at a local level in Madison and Dallas Counties to navigating a life-or-death international incident during the siege of international compound during the Boxer Rebellion in China. As western powers eyed access to China's markets, Chinese people resisted western religious and cultural encroachment, and one of history's most formidable women Dowager Empress Cixi led a crumbling dynasty, the Congers stepped in to lead US diplomats in China through a season of change, turmoil, and trials.
All Iowa History 101 webinars are recorded and placed on the Iowa History YouTube page. Even if you cannot attend live, please register to receive a follow-up email after the program. The email will contain the recording link and additional resources to further explore the topic.
Registration Details
Advance registration is required to attend this program.