Empress Dowager Từ Dũ was a prominent figure in Vietnamese history, serving as the mother of Emperor Duy Tân during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She played a significant role in the political landscape of the Nguyễn Dynasty, particularly during a time of foreign influence and internal strife in Vietnam. After the abdication of her son in 1916, Empress Dowager Từ Dũ became a symbol of resistance against colonial rule. Her influence extended beyond her son's reign, as she was involved in various efforts to support Vietnamese sovereignty and maintain cultural identity amidst the pressures of French colonialism.