Final answer:
Empress Lü and Empress Wu Zetian were significant figures in Chinese history, both exercising considerable power as empresses. Empress Lü contributed to the stability of the early Han dynasty, while Empress Wu founded her own dynasty and made impactful changes such as promoting Buddhism and political debate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance of the Empress of China can be seen through figures such as Empress Lü and Empress Wu Zetian. Empress Lü, legitimate both as a wife and mother, played a crucial role in the early Han dynasty, helping establish stability and exercising significant power after her husband’s death. Her authority was further solidified as she issued edicts and stamped them with the emperor's seals, making key decisions during her reign.
On the other hand, Empress Wu Zetian dramatically changed the status quo by declaring Buddhism the state religion and founding her own dynasty, the Wu Zhou. Despite facing resistance, her rule was marked by competence and intelligence. She lifted bans on political theory, promoting free debate, and her administrative skills ensured smooth governance of the state. Her ascension as a female emperor was unprecedented, and her successful tenure is a testament to her abilities despite later criticism from the Song dynasty for overturning traditional gender roles.