Empress Wu Zetian

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Empress Wu Zetian was born on February 17, 624 AD in what is now Wengshui County Shanxi. She died on December 16, 725 AD. She stood up for women's rights in ancient China and succeeded in establishing Scholars into the government, successfully diminishing the political power of the Army.

Wu lived in a time that gave relative freedom to women. They didn't bind their feet, and didn't live submissive lives. Living in the Wu clan household Wu naturally learned how to read and write Chinese classics, as well as play music .Wu enjoyed reading which was how she learned of politics and she traveled with her family, which showed her cultural diversity. Her mother came from the powerful Yang family and her father was in the lumber business. Wu lived in a relatively wealthy family. At the age of thirteen she was known for being smart, sly and beautiful. When she left to serve in the emperor's court it is reported that her mother cried, but upon talking to her daughter knew what Wu wanted to do with her life.

At the age of thirteen Wu left to serve in the Emperor's court where she soon became a concubine. Upon the death of the Emperor as per law, any concubine that did not have children with the Emperor was then confined to a monastery for the rest of their life. Wu however went against all expectations and left the Ganye temple. She escaped the temple and became a concubine to the new emperor.

Wu wanted to let it be known that females could rule despite a saying that said, "for a woman to rule is like a Hen crowing". In 654 Wu gave birth to a daughter. The daughter died shortly after and Wu accused the Empress Wang of killing the child. Emperor Gaozong believed Wu. He thought Wang had killed the child out of jealousy. After being accused Wang was unable to clear her name. A year later Wu became Empress. A few years later her husband the Emperor had a disabling stroke. Wu managed to put her youngest son into the position of Emperor over his elder brothers. Wu effectively ruled through her son. In 670 Wu's mother died, the country was in a period of mourning during the year, with the realm suffering from a major drought. Wu offered to be dethroned, the emperor declined this offer. After the emperor's death she came into full power and successfully integrated many great minds into government. Wu introduced several scholars into the government and effectively decreased the Army's size and political power. Wu had her scholars write numerous biographies on famous women of history. Throughout her rule various people, including commoners considered Wu a fair and just leader.

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Wu is a historical figure because of many things. She was kind to many, in fact she once said that a true ruler treats all people like their children. She also lowered many taxes. Wu was one of the first people to stand up for women's rights. She inspires me to do something big with my life.