Why was Tianjin’s old city wall destroyed in 1900?

In 1900, the old city wall of Tianjin was destroyed following renewed antiforeign demonstrations that led to the shelling and occupation of the city by Allied (Western) forces.1

These demonstrations were part of the Boxer Rebellion, an uprising by a Chinese secret society known as the Boxers (or Yihequan). The Boxers sought to drive all foreigners from China and destroy their influence, which had grown significantly through various treaties and the establishment of foreign concessions in the city. As the conflict escalated, international forces seized control of the area to protect their interests, resulting in the destruction of the city's defensive fortifications.12