Empress Dowager Cixi

Cixi was the last empress of the Qing dynasty, ruling China from 1861 until her death in 1908. She was a member of the Manchu imperial family and rose to power through her relationships with the emperors. Cixi is known for her role in modernizing China and her efforts to preserve the Qing dynasty. She was also a skilled politician and strategist, able to navigate the complex web of court politics to maintain her power. Cixi's legacy is still studied by historians today.