Cixi, the actual ruler of the late Qing Dynasty, held the supreme power of the Qing Empire during her reign. However, in the later stage of her rule, she ordered the murders of Emperor Guangxu and Emperor Tongzhi. This event has always been a focal point of debate among historians. So, why did Cixi kill Emperor Guangxu and Emperor Tongzhi? This article will analyze the reasons from the perspectives of historical background and power struggles.

I. Historical Background

1. The Background of Emperor Guangxu and Emperor Tongzhi

Emperor Guangxu, named Zaitian, was the eleventh emperor of the Qing Dynasty. During his reign, Cixi actually reigned behind the scenes. Emperor Tongzhi, named Zaichun, was the tenth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, and Cixi also reigned behind the scenes during his reign. Both emperors were nephews of Cixi, and their backgrounds were closely related to her.

2. Cixi's Control over Emperor Guangxu and Emperor Tongzhi

During her reign, Cixi always held the supreme power of the Qing Empire. Emperor Guangxu and Emperor Tongzhi were both reigned by Cixi behind the scenes, which meant that Cixi had tremendous control over them.

II. Power Struggles and Cixi's Suspicions towards Emperor Guangxu

During Emperor Guangxu's reign, Cixi always harbored suspicions towards him. This was because Emperor Guangxu showed strong reform aspirations at a young age, hoping to revitalize the Qing Empire through reforms. However, Cixi feared that Emperor Guangxu's reforms would weaken her power position, so she always remained vigilant towards him.

2. Cixi's Dissatisfaction with Emperor Tongzhi

During Emperor Tongzhi's reign, Cixi was dissatisfied with him. This was because Emperor Tongzhi had a weak personality, lacked independence, and his health was always poor. This led Cixi to lose confidence in him, believing that Emperor Tongzhi could not shoulder the responsibility of revitalizing the Qing Empire.

III. Reasons for Cixi's Killing of Emperor Guangxu and Emperor Tongzhi

1. To Consolidate Her Power Position

During her reign, Cixi always held the supreme power of the Qing Empire. However, as Emperor Guangxu and Emperor Tongzhi grew up, she feared that they would pose a threat to her power position. Therefore, she decided to take decisive measures to eliminate these two emperors and consolidate her power position.

2. To Maintain the Ruling Order of the Qing Dynasty

Cixi believed that Emperor Guangxu and Emperor Tongzhi's reform aspirations would have a destructive impact on the ruling order of the Qing Dynasty. Therefore, she decided to eliminate these two emperors to maintain the ruling order of the Qing Dynasty.

Summary: Why did Cixi kill Emperor Guangxu and Emperor Tongzhi? From the perspectives of historical background and power struggles, it can be seen that Cixi took this action to consolidate her power position and maintain the ruling order of the Qing Dynasty. This event reflected the power struggles and conflicts within the court of the late Qing Dynasty.

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