Empress Wu Zetian (624 – 705 CE) was the only female ruler of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, and a major figure in Chinese history. She brought stability to the empire and ushered in an era of great prosperity. Wu Zetian was the first woman to be allowed to become an Empress by her own right, rather than just marrying an Emperor. During her reign she abolished existing conventions of gender equality and created a more equal system for women, which resulted in many extremely accomplished women in her own court.
Wu Zetian was an ambitious, intelligent and pragmatic leader, who strived to better the lives of her people. Not only did she make strong administrative reforms, but also patronized art, literature and culture while actively encouraging technological advancements.
Her achievements during the Tang Dynasty can be summarized as follows:
1. Political Administration
Wu Zetian greatly improved the administrative organization of the Tang Dynasty. She divided the country into thirteen provinces and dispatched officials to each of them. She implemented a set of strict laws, some of which remain in place today, to ensure justice and punish wrongdoers. She also established government offices like the Department of Rites (文部), the Ministry of Revenue (户部), and the Office of Post and Communications (驿部), which led to greater efficiency and transparency in the bureaucracy of the Tang Dynasty.
2. Social Reforms
Wu Zetian was an advocate for social reform and was determined to promote the well-being of her subjects. She raised salaries for government officials and lowered taxes on food items. She also tried to reduce corruption by introducing various measures to improve government accountability. Additionally, Wu Zetian initiated the construction of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and public buildings.
3.Military Reforms
Wu Zetian was a capable military leader and made considerable efforts to strengthen the defense of the Tang Dynasty. She rebuilt the navy and upgraded the army by providing training to officers. Under her rule, the Tang Dynasty sought to expand its territory through diplomatic ties and military campaigns.
4. Cultural Advancement
Wu Zetian was a great patron of the arts. She established the National University, which allowed students from all over the empire to come and study philosophy, literature, and Buddhism. The Empress herself was a highly cultivated individual and invited many talented people to her court. She even went as far as sending out paintings, porcelain and other precious gifts as diplomatic presents.
5. Women’s Rights
Wu Zetian was a champion of the rights of women. She abolished the existing conventions of gender equality and created a more equal system for women. She appointed women to important government posts, including the Ministries of Revenue and Military Affairs and even appointed her daughter as her military advisor. In addition, Wu Zetian promoted ‘women’s education’ and encouraged young women to study and pursue careers in government, medicine and the arts.
In conclusion, Empress Wu Zetian was an exceptional ruler of the Tang Dynasty. During her rule, lasting from 690 -705 CE, the dynasty prospered and flourished, due in large part to her many reforms and improvements. Her reign marked a milestone in Chinese history, as she was the first female ruler of China and left behind a legacy of promoting equal rights and opportunities for all.