Chinese, 1835–1908
Cixi, also known as Empress Dowager Cixi, was a Chinese empress and regent who effectively controlled the Chinese Qing dynasty from 1861 until her death in 1908. Born on November 29, 1835, in Beijing, she was originally a concubine of the Xianfeng Emperor and became the mother of his only surviving son, the Tongzhi Emperor. Following the death of her husband, Cixi rose to power as regent, navigating the complexities of court politics and foreign pressures during a tumultuous period in Chinese history. Her reign saw significant events, including the Opium Wars and the Boxer Rebellion, which shaped China's interactions with the West. Cixi is often remembered for her efforts to modernize China, though her legacy is mixed, with criticism for her resistance to certain reforms and her role in the decline of the Qing dynasty. She died on November 15, 1908, leaving a complex legacy as one of the most powerful women in Chinese history.
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