Hong Taiji

Hong Taiji was a fierce and influential leader of the Manchu people in the early 17th century. He was the son of Nurhaci, the founder of the Later Jin dynasty, which later became the Qing dynasty. Hong Taiji unified various Manchu tribes, organized them into a powerful military and administrative system, and expanded their territory. In 1636, he officially declared the dynasty name "Qing," beginning China's final imperial dynasty, which ruled until 1912. His leadership transformed the Manchu from a tribal group into a formidable imperial power, laying the groundwork for Qing China's expansion and stability.