Puyi: The Fall of China’s Last Emperor

On February 12, 1912, China witnessed the end of an era with the abdication of its last emperor, Puyi. This pivotal moment marked the fall of the Qing Dynasty, which had ruled China for 267 years, and the end of over 2,000 years of imperial rule. In this video, we delve into the fascinating and complex life of Puyi, who became emperor at just two years old and was forced to abdicate at six, as China transitioned from an imperial monarchy to a republic.

We explore Puyi’s life inside the Forbidden City after his abdication, where he lived under a special arrangement with the new Republican government. We also examine his subsequent years, including his time in Japanese-occupied Tianjin and his role as the puppet emperor of Manchukuo from 1932 to 1945. The video covers his capture by Soviet troops, his testimony at the Tokyo war crimes tribunal, and his final years as an ordinary citizen working in Beijing after being granted amnesty by Mao Zedong.

Join us as we uncover the dramatic and poignant story of Puyi, reflecting on how his life mirrors the broader struggles of China during a period of profound transformation.