It's History

Cixi: All Power to the Empress Dowager (5x18)

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Empress Dowager Cixi took over the rule of mighty Imperial China in the late 19th century. After her son Tongzhi succeeded his father Emperor Xianfeng, she made herself custodian to the minor emperor on the dragon throne. During audiences she sat behind the curtains and determined what the Chinese ruler would "decide". Following her son's death she then placed her minor nephew Guanxu on the throne. But Cixi's reign was not easy, as the country suffered under oppression by imperial powers and uprisings of its unhappy people. Learn all about the secret Empress Cixi in this episode of IT'S HISTORY.