Origins & Early Life

The Shunzhi Emperor (15 March 1638 – 5 February 1661), personal name Fulin, was the second emperor of the Qing dynasty, and the first Qing emperor to rule over China proper. Upon the death of his father Hong Taiji, a committee of Manchu princes chose the 5-year-old Fulin as successor. The princes also appointed two co-regents: Dorgon, the 14th son of Nurhaci, and Jirgalang, one of Nurhaci's nephews, both of whom were members of the Aisin-Gioro clan. In November 1644, the Shunzhi Emperor was enthroned as emperor of China in Beijing.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

From 1643 to 1650, political power lay mostly in the hands of the prince regent Dorgon. Under his leadership, the Qing conquered most of the territory of the fallen Ming dynasty, chased Ming loyalist regimes deep into the southwestern provinces, and established the basis of Qing rule over China proper despite highly unpopular policies such as the hair cutting edict of 1645, which forced all Qing male subjects to shave their forehead and braid their remaining hair into a queue resembling that of the Manchus. After Dorgon's death on the last day of 1650, the young Shunzhi Emperor started to rule personally. He tried, with mixed success, to fight corruption...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Amakusa Shirō — Contemporary (Died in 1638) (1638): Leader of the Shimabara Rebellion, a pivotal figure in early Edo period Japanese Christianity.
• Cornelius Jansen — Contemporary (Died in 1638) (1638): Influential Dutch Bishop and founder of the theological movement known as Jansenism.
• Dom Pérignon (monk) — Contemporary (Born in 1638) (1638): Benedictine monk pivotal in elevating the quality and style of Champagne wine.
• Cardinal Mazarin — Contemporary (Died in 1661) (1661): Italian prelate and chief minister who shaped French power during the 17th century.
• Feodor III of Russia — Contemporary (Born in 1661) (1661): Tsar of Russia (1676-1682) known for reforms and founding the Slavic Greek Latin Academy.
• Girard Desargues — Contemporary (Died in 1661) (1661): Founder of projective geometry, Desargues was a pivotal French mathematician and engineer.
• Abe Saperstein — Shared historical date (03-15 · Died) (1966): Founder of the Harlem Globetrotters, revolutionized black basketball.
• Alan Bean — Shared historical date (03-15 · Born) (1932): American astronaut, naval officer, and lunar explorer who walked on the Moon.
• Adam Ondra — Shared historical date (02-05 · Born) (1993): Czech professional rock climber, specializing in lead, bouldering, and competition.
• Alan Hodgkin — Shared historical date (02-05 · Born) (1914): Pioneering physiologist known for action potential theory and Nobel laureate.
• 1638 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1638
• March 15 (03-15) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 15
• 1661 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1661
• February 5 (02-05) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 5