China: Empress Dowager Cixi (29 November 1835 - 15 November 1908) when she was Noble Consort Yi. Painting, c. 1857. Empress Dowager Cixi, personal name Xingzhen, was the concubine of the Xianfeng Emperor. Of the Manchu Yehe Nara Clan, she was a powerful and charismatic figure who became the de facto ruler of the Qing Dynasty for 47 years, from 1861 to 1908. Her son became the Tongzhi Emperor, and she ruled as regent in his stead, alongside Empress Dowager Ci'an. She consolidated her control by installing her nephew as the Guangxu Emperor after her son's death. Her legacy is heavily debated.

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