Jiaqing Emperor vs Puyi

Jiaqing's forces suppressed a major Miao rebellion in Guizhou and Hunan provinces. The campaign was brutal and costly, but restored Qing control over the region, though it highlighted ethnic tensions.

The White Lotus Rebellion erupted in central China, lasting until 1804. Jiaqing's government struggled to suppress the rebellion due to corruption and inefficiency, draining the Qing treasury and exposing military weakness.

Upon taking full power after his father Qianlong's death, Jiaqing ordered the arrest and execution of the corrupt grand councilor Heshen. Heshen's vast wealth was confiscated, temporarily replenishing the imperial treasury.

Jiaqing attempted to address the fiscal crisis caused by the White Lotus Rebellion and corruption. He implemented tax reforms, reduced court spending, and tried to curb official embezzlement, but with limited success.

The Qing military's inability to quickly suppress the White Lotus Rebellion revealed its decline. The Eight Banners and Green Standard armies were poorly trained and equipped, forcing the use of local militias.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.