Empress Dowager Cixi was a powerful figure in late Qing Dynasty China, ruling from 1861 until her death in 1908. Initially a concubine of Emperor Xianfeng, she became the regent for her young son, Emperor Tongzhi, and later for her nephew, Emperor Guangxu. Cixi played a crucial role in political decisions and reforms during a time of significant upheaval. Cixi is often associated with both modernization efforts and resistance to change. She supported initiatives like the Self-Strengthening Movement but also opposed radical reforms, fearing they would undermine her authority. Her reign was marked by challenges, including foreign invasions and internal rebellions, such as the Boxer Rebellion.