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