From Emperor to Commoner: The Transformation of Aisin-Gioro Puyi's Life Amid China's Political Transition (1908–1967)

This study examined the transformation of Aisin-Gioro Puyi from the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty into an ordinary Chinese citizen amid China's political transitions between 1908 and 1967. It investigated how the collapse of the imperial system, the establishment of the Republic of China, Japanese occupation and the creation of Manchukuo, the victory of the Chinese Communist Party, and the subsequent political restructuring influenced Puyi's identity, status, political role, and personal life. Using a qualitative historical research approach, the study analysed historical documents, autobiographical accounts, academic publications, and institutional records to reconstruct the major stages of his life. Particular attention was given to his childhood accession, abdication in 1912, expulsion from the Forbidden City in 1924, appointment as the ruler of Manchukuo in 1934, Soviet captivity in 1945, repatriation to China, political re-education, and eventual release as an ordinary citizen in 1959. The findings demonstrate that Puyi's personal transformation reflected the wider political and ideological changes experienced by China during the twentieth century. His life illustrates the decline of traditional monarchy, the influence of foreign imperialism, and the emergence of a new political order under Communist rule. The study concludes that Puyi's transformation was not merely a change in royal status but also a significant example of the relationship between individual identity, political authority, and national transformation in modern Chinese history.