The leader of the last dynasty of China before the establishment of the People's Republic in 1949 was Pu Yi, the last Emperor of the Qing dynasty. He ascended to the throne at a young age but was ultimately a figurehead with limited power. The Qing dynasty faced numerous challenges, including growing internal strife, foreign invasions, and the rise of revolutionary sentiments. Pu Yi was deposed in 1912 following the Xinhai Revolution, marking the end of imperial rule in China. His life story reflects the tumultuous transition China underwent in the early 20th century.