Tommy le block: H

Alterative

Empress Wu Zetian

          The first empress in Chinese history                       

                                                Website

                                                                                                                                                                                               

The emperor suffered a crippling stroke in 660 and Empress Wu Zetian took over the administration of the court. Showing no mercy toward anyone who failed to conform to her wishes, she would have them thrown into prison or executed. Her cruelty extended to members of her family as well as those high ranking officials who had contributed much to the founding of the dynasty.

To achieve her ambitions she was as ruthless as was possible. She appointed sadistic and cruel officials to seek out and eliminate any opposition to her regime. Not only those who opposed Wu were severely dealt with, but also many other innocent people were cruelly put to death.

v    URL: http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_aboutchina/2003-09/24/content_22879.htm

v     Last update: 24/10/2003

v    Author: organization of china culture

v     Contact info:

Tel: (8610) 6494 1107
Fax: (8610) 6494 1125
Email: chinaculture@chinadaily.com.cn
Address: 15 Huixin Dongjie, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100025, China

Tommy le block: H

Traditional (Praise and respect)

Empress Wu Zetian

          The first empress in Chinese history                       

                                                Website

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In 690, Wu's youngest son removed himself from office, and Wu Zetian was declared emperor of China. In spite of her ruthless climb to power, her rule proved to be benign. She found the best people she could to run the government, and treated those she trusted fairly. She reduced the army's size and stopped the influence of aristocratic military men on government by replacing them with scholars. Everyone had to compete for government positions by taking exams, thus setting the practice of government run by scholars. Wu also was fair to peasants, lowering oppressive taxes, raising agricultural production, and strengthening public works.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

v    URL: http://www.womeninworldhistory.com/heroine6.html

v    Last update: 1996

v    Author: organization (BIOGRAPHIES)

v     Contact info: Women in World History Curriculum
1030 Spruce Street
Berkeley, CA  94707  Phone:  (510) 524-0304