The last Emperor of China before the end of the imperial system was Puyi. Ascending the throne as a child in 1908, he ruled during a tumultuous period marked by significant political upheaval and reform efforts. Puyi's reign saw the decline of the Qing Dynasty, leading to the Xinhai Revolution in 1911, which ultimately resulted in the establishment of the Republic of China. Puyi's life after abdication was equally dramatic, including a brief restoration and later becoming a puppet ruler under Japanese control. His story illustrates the profound changes China underwent in the early 20th century.