Puyi

ModernEmperorChina1906 — 1967

Last emperor of China, puppet of Manchukuo.

Compare Puyi with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1906

Died

1967

Country

China

Era

Modern

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)53

Political (20%)31

Influence (20%)53

Legacy (20%)42

Leadership (15%)52

Strategy (15%)61

Total Score47.3

Puyi — Complete Timeline

1908 AD

Accession to the Qing thronePolitical Action◆ Major

Puyi became Emperor of China at age 2 after the death of his uncle, Guangxu. A regency was established under his father, Prince Chun.

SuccessionQing Dynasty

Impact: national

1912 AD

Xinhai Revolution and abdicationPolitical Action

The Xinhai Revolution overthrew the Qing dynasty. Puyi abdicated on February 12, 1912, ending over 2,000 years of imperial rule in China. He was allowed to retain his title and live in the Forbidden City.

RevolutionAbdicationEnd of Empire

Impact: global

1924 AD

Expulsion from the Forbidden CityPolitical Action◆ Major

Warlord Feng Yuxiang expelled Puyi from the Forbidden City, revoking his imperial privileges. Puyi fled to the Japanese concession in Tianjin.

ExpulsionWarlord Era

Impact: nationaltragic

1934 AD

Installation as puppet emperor of ManchukuoPolitical Action◆ Major

Japan installed Puyi as the puppet emperor of Manchukuo, a Japanese-controlled state in northeast China. He ruled under Japanese supervision until 1945.

Puppet RegimeJapanese Imperialism

Impact: regionaldestructive

1945 AD

Capture by the Soviet UnionPolitical Action◆ Major

After Japan's surrender in World War II, Puyi was captured by Soviet forces while trying to flee. He was held as a prisoner of war in the Soviet Union until 1950.

Prisoner of WarWorld War II

Impact: regional

1967 AD

Rehabilitation and deathOther◆ Major

After being repatriated to China, Puyi was imprisoned for war crimes but later released in 1959. He worked as a gardener and wrote his autobiography. He died of cancer in Beijing.

RehabilitationDeath

Impact: national