Who ruled China before it gained its independence?

Before gaining independence, China was ruled by the Qing Dynasty, which was the last imperial dynasty of China, reigning from 1644 until 1912. The fall of the Qing Dynasty led to the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912, marking the end of over two thousand years of imperial rule. The struggle for independence and modernization continued throughout the early 20th century, particularly during periods of warlordism and foreign intervention. Ultimately, the Chinese Communist Party established the People's Republic of China in 1949, solidifying its control over the country.