Biography of Kangxi Emperor

Biography of Kangxi Emperor

Learn about the biography of the Kangxi Emperor who was the longest-reigning Emperor of China including his early life, becoming emperor, accomplishments, death, and interesting facts

Biography of Kangxi Emperor

• Occupation: Emperor of China
• Born: May 4, 1654 in Beijing, China
• Died: December 20, 1722 in Beijing, China
• Reign: February 5, 1661 to December 20, 1722
• Best known for: Longest-reigning emperor in Chinese history

Life Story:

One of the greatest rulers in Chinese history, according to historians, was the Kangxi Emperor. The Qing Dynasty’s fourth emperor was him. He had the longest reign of any Chinese emperor with 61 years in power. The Chinese Empire expanded, remained stable, and prospered under his administration.

Growing Up

On May 4, 1654, Kangxi was born in Beijing, China. His mother was Empress Xiaokangzhang and his father was the Shunzhi Emperor of China. He was given the name Xuanye at birth.

Despite being the emperor’s third son, Kangxi was regarded as the crown prince since his mother had a better status than the mothers of his brothers. His grandmother, the Grand Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, was mostly responsible for raising him. Kangxi loved athletics and hunting as a child.

Becoming Emperor

In 1661, when Kangxi was seven years old, his father, only 23 at the time, died of smallpox. Despite being only seven, Kangxi was crowned the new emperor of China. At first, he didn’t get involved in the government. There were men called regents assigned to run the country for him.

By the time Kangxi turned 15, one of the regents, a man named Oboi, had become very powerful. He had the other regents removed or killed. Kangxi’s grandmother advised him it was time to take control. Kangxi had Oboi put into prison and began ruling as the emperor of China in 1669.

Ruling China

Throughout his long reign, Kangxi was a hardworking emperor. He wanted to strengthen and expand China. He also wanted what was best for his people.

One of the first issues Kangxi had to deal with was the Revolt of the Three Feudatories. This was a civil war that broke out when three southern warlords united against Kangxi and the Qing Dynasty. The war went on for eight years, but Kangxi was able to suppress the rebellion and keep China united.

One of Kangxi’s main goals as emperor was to expand the Chinese Empire. He successfully conquered Taiwan, established a treaty with Vietnam, gained control of the Amur River region from Russia, and defeated the Mongols.

Kangxi also had an impact on Chinese culture. He brought in Jesuit missionaries from the west who introduced new technologies, worked as translators, and ran the imperial observatory. He also had a new Chinese dictionary written known as the Kangxi Dictionary and compiled a collection of Tang poetry called the Quan Tangshi.

Death

Kangxi fell ill during the winter of 1722 and died. He named his fourth son, Yinzhen, as his successor. Yinzhen took over the throne and became the Yongzheng Emperor.

Legacy

Kangxi is considered one of the most competent emperors in the history of China. His reign led to a long period of peace and prosperity in China.

Facts about the Kangxi Emperor

• His grandson, the Qianlong Emperor, would have ruled longer but retired in order to honor Kangxi.
• The name “Kangxi” means “Peaceful Harmony.”
• Kangxi personally led the Chinese army against the Mongols.
• He is listed as having 24 sons and 12 daughters.
• At first Kangxi was receptive to Christianity and may have even become a Christian himself, but he later banned Christian missions in China.

Biography of Kangxi Emperor

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