FAQ About Empress Dowager Cixi
Was Empress Dowager Cixi considered a reformist or conservative ruler?
Empress Dowager Cixi is often seen as a paradoxical ruler, with tendencies towards both conservatism and reform. While she embraced certain reforms, particularly those aimed at strengthening military and industrial capacities, she was cautious and resisted more radical changes that threatened the dynastic order or traditional cultural values.
