The last dynasty to rule China before the establishment of the Republic was the Qing Dynasty. It ruled from 1644 until 1912, making it the final imperial dynasty of China. The Qing Dynasty oversaw significant territorial expansion and cultural development. However, it eventually faced numerous challenges, including internal strife, corruption, and external pressures from Western powers. The culmination of social unrest and revolutionary movements led to its downfall. In 1911, the Xinhai Revolution succeeded in overthrowing the Qing, paving the way for the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912.