Why did the empress dowager Ci Xi?

Answer 1

Empress Dowager Cixi, a powerful figure in late Qing Dynasty China, played a crucial role in governance during a time of significant upheaval. Initially a concubine of Emperor Xianfeng, she rose to power after his death and effectively controlled the throne through her son and later her nephew. Cixi's rule is characterized by a mix of conservatism and attempts at modernization, as she sought to strengthen the Qing dynasty in the face of foreign pressures and internal strife. Her legacy remains controversial, as she is seen both as a defender of tradition and an obstacle to necessary reforms.