Guangxu Emperor

The Guangxu Emperor (1871-1908) was the eleventh emperor of the Qing dynasty and reigned from 1875 until his death in 1908. His reign is marked by attempts at modernization and reform in China, inspired by Western influences and the Self-Strengthening Movement. However, his efforts were often thwarted by conservative factions within the court, particularly Empress Dowager Cixi. The Guangxu Emperor is perhaps most famously remembered for his tragic demise, which has been speculated to involve foul play, including the theory that he was poisoned by Cixi.