TZU HSI, EMPRESS DOWAGER.   Term Paper ID:26678 Click to get this paper

Essay Subject: Examines life, career, personal & political tactics of woman who rose from concubine to ruthless empress in 19th Cent.... More...

9 Pages / 2025 Words 5 sources, 43 Citations, TURABIAN Format $36.00 Return to List of Papers

Paper Abstract: Examines life, career, personal & political tactics of woman who rose from concubine to ruthless empress in 19th Cent. Paper Introduction: Empress Dowager Tzu Hsi: the last female ruler of the Manchu Imperial House In spite of her last words, “Never again allow a woman to hold the supreme power in the State,”1 Tzu Hsi survived three waves of succession to rule over China for almost half a century. During a period that was racked by internal turmoil and foreign invasions, Tzu Hsi overcame tremendous odds to hold on to the reins of power. Her character contributed greatly to her skills as a consummate politician. She was a charismatic leader that attracted the adoration of her subjects including common people who had never seen her in person.2 Furthermore, she was driven by a fiery ambition to ensure that the Manchu dynasty did not disintegrate in the face of the pressure brought on by rebels and the foreigners. She cemented her grip on power by surroundi Text of the Paper: The entire text of the paper is shown below. However, the text is somewhat scrambled. We want to give you as much information as we possibly can about our papers and essays, but we cannot give them away for free. In the text below you will find that while disordered, many of the phrases are essentially intact. From this text you will be able to get a solid sense of the writing style, the concepts addressed, and the sources used in the research paper. Shepossessed the key qualities necessary for an individual to govern anempire: tenacity, ambition and thoroughness. New York: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1936.O'Connor, Richard. The court was forced to escape toJehol, another palace away from Peking. 11 Ibid., 56. 36 Ibid., 19 -191. 37 Ibid., 215-216. She had to consider her moves carefully for she riskedthe loss of her life in the hands of her enemies. Garden City: Doubleday, Doran & Company,1938.Warner, Marina. Putnam's Sons, 1973), 347. In her attempt to stabilize the rocky beginning of the reign, shewisely began to get rid of people whom she did not trust. In times of need, she now depended on Li Hung-chang for his adviceand assistance.29 In addition, because the intense rivalry between the twoempresses grew over the emperor Kuang-hsu's preference for Tzu An, theEmpress of the Eastern Palace, Tzu Hsi began to plot her death. Her main objective was to put Prince Kung down and demonstrateher power.17 During the first regency, Tzi Hsi flourished because of her beautyand feminine charm. 14 Bland and Backhouse, 498. 16 Ibid., 78. P. 38 Ibid., 217. 19 Ibid., 81. Defying the orders of Su Shun and his prince-patronsto stay behind so that the empresses could be assassinated at a specificspot, he rode on ahead to ensure her safety, bringing with him her Manchutroops. 24 Princess Der Ling, Old Buddha (New York: Dodd, Mead & Company,1936), 169-17 . Otherwise, her prospect was bleak with her son and his wiferuling over China.22 In fact, these historians attributed Tung Chih'sultimate death to her because she deliberately permitted her son to go tobrothels and opium dens so that she could continue to reign over China.23However, one historian, Princess Der Ling, stands out in her portrayal ofTzu Hsi as a loving mother who doted on her son. BibliographyBland, J. Also, hercharisma and her openness towards the Chinese provided her with a loyalhorde of people who saved her life in many instances to enable her tocontinue her reign. 13 Ibid., 68. 6 Bland and Backhouse, 65. Thus, she reducedthe responsibilities of Prince Kung and several other members of the grandcouncil. The emperor began to listen to theadvice of rival counselors, principally Su Shun who was a member of anotherimperial clan.8 In the chaos that ensued as the emperor was dying, Su Shunand his patrons attempted to usurp power from the heir-apparent, Tzu Hsi'sson, Tung Chih, by making the emperor name them as ruling regents.9 During these dangerous times, Tzu Hsi's actions reflected herwisdom and prudence. By choosing the son of Prince Ch'un who had marriedJung Lu's daughter, she paid homage to his loyal friend.43 Ultimately, in spite of the indictment she placed upon herself, TzuHsi surpassed her male predecessors in her rule over the Empire. She also consultedscholar-officials who assisted her in the interpretation of classics.Therefore, unlike other concubines, she was well-educated in thephilosophy, history and the works of the great thinkers of China.3 She roseto higher grades when she gave birth to the first son in the family. Bland and F. 27 Ibid., 141. O. 18 qtd. The Dragon Empress: Life & Times of Tzu-hsi 1835-19 8,Empress Dowager of China. New York: G. 12 Ibid., 61. Even in her last days, she exerted her final authority by appointingthe heir to the throne. 21 Ibid., 11 . 43 Ibid., 279. London: William Heinemann, 1911.Princess Der Ling, Old Buddha. In this paper, the ways used by Tzu Hsi to seize and maintainpolitical power over government will be explored. Biding her time, she seized upon an opportunitywhen Prince Kung committed a minor infraction of getting up before thecourt was officially dismissed, to strip him of his duties.16 Once he wasdisgraced and her power proven, she restored most of his responsibilities,except for one; he was expunged from the Annals of the reign. Once again, Jung Lu rose to the occasion to save Tzu Hsi's life.Pre-empting Kuang Hsu's move, she summoned the grand council and marshaledthe support of the conservative councilors who opposed the reforms. Putnam's Sons, 1973.Vare, Daniele. P. Some historians believed that Tzu Hsi clung to power becauseher relationship with her son had deteriorated while he was growing up.Thus, she had to act against her son and his wife who was pregnant with herpotential son. 29 Ibid., 15 . The Last Empress. P. 4 Ibid., 262-266. Withher ascendancy, Tzu Hsi was able to read documents of State. Bland and F. Furthermore, he did not have influential friends at court.5Therefore, his appointment testifies to Tzu Hsi's openness in promotingpeople by merit.6 Such a policy would serve her well later because shepossessed the loyalty of such people. However, she still retained politicalpower because she reserved the right to appoint and dismiss publicservants.32 Also, she forced Kuang Hsu to take Tzu Hsi's niece as anempress. 28 Ibid., 144-145. O. Inthis event, Tzu Hsi was saved by Jung Lu, her loyal friend who was also acommander in the army. Empress Dowager Tzu Hsi: the last female ruler of the Manchu Imperial House In spite of her last words, "Never again allow a woman to hold thesupreme power in the State,"1 Tzu Hsi survived three waves of succession torule over China for almost half a century. In the beginning of her sharedregency with Tzu An, the Empress of the Eastern palace, Tzu Hsi relied uponPrince Kung for advice on foreign policy and other governmental issuesbecause she knew he was mature and experienced.15 However, she began toresent the way Prince Kung exerted his power over the empresses and boastedof their dependence on him. During the third regency, her error in foreign policy occurred whenshe attempted to make use of the Boxers-a religious and anti-foreign cult-to get rid of the foreigners. By the sheer powerof her words, she put Prince Tuan down for attempting to instigate a riotas though he were an emperor. Even though she entered the emperor's harem of concubines as a fifth-rank concubine, Tzu Hsi made use of her position by reading state annalsand works of art from the well-stocked libraries. He was a good friend of Jung Lu and informed him of the impendingarrest. 33 Warner, 13 . 42 Ibid., 264-265. in Ibid., 81. By doing so,she demonstrated her political wisdom because she knew at the time, she didnot have enough support from the Manchu princes to banish Prince Kungcompletely. 2 Ibid., 1 9-11 . A great part of her successin holding onto her throne is the swiftness and thoroughness in thecompletion of her plans.27 Knowing that she had been deposed, Tung Chih'swife committed suicide, with her unborn child.28 Because the successor wasstill too young, Tzu Hsi was in control again as the regent. 9 Ibid., 52. 31 Ibid., 154. Eventually, she became a concubine who was instrumentalin approving decisions in all government matters.4 In fact, herintervention in pressuring the emperor to nominate General Tseng Kuo-fan asthe Commander of the imperial troops in the Taiping rebellion turned out tobe effective in suppressing the rebellion. Backhouse, China Under the Empress Dowager(London: William Heinemann, 1911), 489. After the funeral for the emperor, she promptly ordered Su Shun andhis family to be beheaded-the punishment for the person who committedtreason.13 She showed that she would not flinch from acting swiftly anddecisively in eliminating her enemies. simulating affection, expression honeyedsentiments, and treating one's inferiors as equals."41 The foreigners wereseduced by her charm and the lavish banquets and receptions she offeredthem.42 Her policy of reconciliation showed her ability to be as versatileas the chameleon. Even when her beauty faded in the later years, hercharm remained to help her woo her political opponents and command thesupport of her people: "A magnetic forced seemed to go out of her,hypnotizing her environment and making instruments of all who came withinthe radius of its operation."18 In addition, because she was well-educatedin a variety of literature, she knew how to entertain her audience,regardless of status, thus contributing to her attractive qualities.19 Furthermore, she displayed tremendous leadership qualities thatsurpassed her predecessors in her successful suppression of the Tai-pingrebellion. 1 Richard O'Connor, The Spirit Soldiers: A Historical Narrative of theBoxer Rebellion (New York: G. 26 Vare, 14 . 25 Ibid., 17 -171. Finally, for their insolentbehavior, the Boxer chiefs were to be decapitated.38 Her strength ofcharacter and her strong belief in the power of the throne are powerfullyillustrated in this scene. 23 Ibid., 13 . Putting on a faзade oftranquility and resignation, she deceived Su Shun into thinking that shewas not hatching any counter-plots. The stability of her rule could befound in her fairness towards both the Manchus and the Chinese in alldepartments of the Government. Backhouse. London: Hamish Hamilton, 1984. 41 Ibid., 262. She would serve as Tzu Hsi's spy.33 However, her retirement wouldbe cut short by Kuang Hsu's attempt to place her under arrest to preventher from intervening in the implementation of his reforms.34 Unfortunatelyfor him, he was betrayed by Yuan-ski-kai, the commander sent to carry outthe job. 17 Ibid., 79. She was a charismatic leader thatattracted the adoration of her subjects including common people who hadnever seen her in person.2 Furthermore, she was driven by a fiery ambitionto ensure that the Manchu dynasty did not disintegrate in the face of thepressure brought on by rebels and the foreigners. Unlike the later Manchu emperors who left the fighting of thewar to their subordinates without adequate provision of resources, Tzu Hsioffered the military commanders unwavering support throughout the campaign.Deviating from the practices of the Manchu princes who procrastinated andgave vague orders, she did not delay in making decision and gave thecommanders clear commands.2 In addition, from this campaign, she gainedanother useful military commander in Li Hung-chang who was introduced toher by Tseng Kuo-fan.21 The events surrounding the death of Tung-Chih, the heir-apparent, whosucceeded the throne when he came of age, is fraught with controversy amonghistorians. By analyzing her life andthe significant events, a portrait of a leader and woman with incredibletenacity and political skill will emerge. 34 Vare, 186. Soon after that, Tzu Hsi fled from the palace with herentourage, leaving her trusted commanders, such as Jung Lu, to fight theforeigners.39 With the failure of the Boxer rebellion and the attempt to expel theforeigners, Tzu Hsi returned to Peking after peace was negotiated with theforeigners. Tseng would not have beenappointed even though he was a great general, because he was a Chinese, andnot a Manchu. She swept awayall the choices of the candidates put forth by the council-Prince Kung'sson, Prince Tsai Chih's son, Pu-lun and Tung Chih's unborn son with well-prepared reasons. In addition, she ordered that the child be brought into thepalace immediately, in spite of the dust storm. They also served as intimate and invaluable counselors for herin times of crises. 35 Ibid., 189-19 . 4 Daniele Vare, The Last Empress (Garden City: Doubleday, Doran &Company, 1938), 25. Another strategythat has contributed to her reign is her foresight in ridding herself ofpeople who had the potential to topple her from power. Her English counterparts,Elizabeth and Mary Stuart, who were considered gentle ladies, also orderedmany killings to protect the State and Christianity.14 In a similarfashion, Tzu Hsi also eliminated her enemies in order to protect herposition and what she considered to be the welfare of the State. 22 Ibid., 124-125. Her willingness to rely upon powerful and experienced people enabledher to learn the ropes of government. 2 J. From Der Ling's perspective, Tzu Hsi's dislike of hiswife could be attributed to the intense love she felt for Tung Chih,instead of any rivalry over the throne.24 Therefore, according to PrincessDer Ling, "the charge that [Tzu Hsi] slew [Tung Chih], by slow poison, orany other way in order to reassume the regency, is one of the basest liesever perpetrated by a careless, prevaricating, or sensational historian."25 Irrespective of the authenticity of these antithetical perspectives,there is no question that Tzu Hsi was swift in summoning a council andimposing her will in deciding the successor to the throne. Instead, she held them off by the iciness of her voice and the powerof her regency. By adapting herself to the new situation, she preventedthe dynasty from being destroyed by the foreigners, even though she wasforced to implement reforms. China Under the Empress Dowager. 5 Ibid., 27. Knowing that it was politically expedient for her to concedethat she could not expel the foreigners, she presented a faзade ofconciliation and friendliness towards the foreigners.4 As she had oncesaid to her Jung Lu, "If the Emperor wishes to gain the allegiance of othercountries, he can do so by... At any point, she could have been killed by themob. Instead, she nominated the three-year-old child of PrinceCh'un and her own sister.26 Because of her power, most of the council votedfor her choice. 3 Marina Warner, The Dragon Empress: Life & Times of Tzu-hsi 1835-19 8, Empress Dowager of China (London: Hamish Hamilton, 1984), 24. Therefore, she gave himeverything he wanted. Furthermore, she ordered them to leave andnever enter the palace precincts again. Her character contributed greatly to herskills as a consummate politician. The Spirit Soldiers: Narrative of the Boxer Rebellion. When the emperordied, Su Shun and his patrons proposed that the decrees appointing them asregents should take effect immediately. After all,an emperor's preference could have significant political repercussions inthe future.3 So, she arranged for Tzu An's food to be poisoned. During a period that was rackedby internal turmoil and foreign invasions, Tzu Hsi overcame tremendous oddsto hold on to the reins of power. 7 Ibid., 484. 32 Ibid., 16 . Without a doubt, she was a ruthless empress who wouldkill those who were in her way. Although she has been denounced byhistorians as a wicked woman full of homicidal rage because of the manydeaths she ordered, this assessment should be re-considered by comparingher with her contemporaries and predecessors. Soon, shebegan to read reports from the provinces and contribute her advice onimportant issues. Bloody and out-of-control, they killed manyforeigners and hundreds of Chinese converts to Christianity.37 In the midstof the chaos, she managed to save her own life when she stopped a group ofBoxers led by Prince Tuan from approaching the palace. P. However, in a dog-eat-dog world of hertimes, she needed to eliminate her opponents before they destroyed.Therefore, through her incredible drive and conviction, she managed toseize power and maintained rule over the government because shedemonstrated time and time again that she was the best person for the job. 8 Vare, 35. A yearlater, she was accorded the title of Empress of the Western Palace. In reality, she had sent a secretmessage to Prince Kung, the emperor's brother, to inform him of thesituation and to request for reinforcements of Manchu troops of her ownclan.1 Furthermore, realizing that her fragile position could bestrengthened by having the support of Tzu An, the empress, Tzu Hsi forgedan alliance with her.11 Tzu Hsi had to forestall her death by one more strategy, thusproviding for more time before her troops could arrive. Furthermore, she was anexcellent political strategist who could outwit her opponents. Tzu Anbecame ill and died, leaving Tzi Hsi to be the sole regent.31 When Kuang Hsu came of age, Tzu Hsi gave up the regency and retiredto live in the new Summer palace. 15 Vare, 73. She realized that for the minority Manchusto survive as rulers, they needed to have the support of Chinese people inprominent positions.7 However, her position in the emperor's court was weakened by thefailure of her anti-foreign policy. However, Tzu Hsi had hidden theseal, thus preventing the decrees from being effective because they lackedauthenticity without the imprint of the seal, as was required on alldocuments.12 Once Su Shun was thwarted in his attempt to usurp power from theempresses and the heir, he realized that the only way he could prevent hisown death was to assassinate the empresses on the way back to Peking. 3 Ibid., 152. She cemented her grip onpower by surrounding herself with powerful and loyal men from the verybeginning. 1 Ibid., 55. To thecouncilors who wanted Old China back, she was seen as the sole person whocould restore the empire to its former glory.35 Thereafter, Kuang Hsu wasarrested and placed on an island.36 Once again, with the help of herallies, she began her third regency. 39 Ibid., 223. If this paper is not what you are looking for, you can search again: Search for: or Click here to request an essay written just for you.