Empress Dowager Cixi was the last Dowager Empress of China to hold power. Contrary to tradition and policy she exercised enormous power, opposed foreign influence and supported the 1898-1900 Boxer Rebellion. Unfortunately, Cixi is often characterized as vicious, treacherous, cunning, and crazed by many historians. Cixi was born on born November 29, 1835, to a noble Manchu family in China. Her father's name was Kuei Hsiang of the Yehenara clan, but her mother was unknown. Little is known about her early life. Prior to the age of fourteen, the information surrounding her is full of speculation, embellishment, and absurd stories. Some say that she was a beggar on the streets due to her father's opium and drinking problems, others say that she …show more content…
Shirokauer, Conrad. Modern China and Japan. Thomson learning. 1982
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