The Qing Dynasty, lasting from sixteen forty-four to nineteen twelve, was China's final imperial dynasty. Founded by the Manchu people from northeastern China, it ruled for two hundred sixty-eight years and marked a crucial transition period from traditional empire to the modern era.
The High Qing period from sixteen sixty-one to seventeen ninety-six marked the dynasty's golden age. Under three great emperors - Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong - China experienced unprecedented territorial expansion, economic prosperity, and cultural flourishing. The population grew to over three hundred million, making it one of the most powerful empires in the world.
From the mid-nineteenth century, the Qing Dynasty faced severe internal and external challenges. Major internal rebellions like the devastating Taiping Rebellion from eighteen fifty to eighteen sixty-four weakened the empire. Externally, Western powers forced China into unequal treaties through the Opium Wars, while the Boxer Rebellion marked growing anti-foreign sentiment.
Despite various reform attempts including the Self-Strengthening Movement and the Hundred Days Reform, the Qing Dynasty could not overcome its fundamental weaknesses. The Xinhai Revolution in nineteen eleven finally overthrew the dynasty, leading to Emperor Puyi's abdication in nineteen twelve and the establishment of the Republic of China, marking the end of over two thousand years of imperial rule.
To summarize the Qing Dynasty: China's last imperial dynasty ruled for two hundred sixty-eight years, experiencing both remarkable prosperity and devastating decline. Despite reform efforts, it ultimately fell to revolution, marking China's crucial transition from traditional empire to modern republic.