China: Dorgon (17 November 1612 - 31 December 1650), also known Prince Rui, was one...

Dorgon was born in Yenden, Manchuria (now Xinbin, Liaoning province), China. He was the fourteenth son of the Manchu leader Nurhaci. His mother was the Lady Abahai; Dodo and Ajige were his full brothers, and the Emperor Hong Taiji was his half-brother. Dorgon became one of the most powerful of the princes, and was instrumental in moving Manchu forces into Beijing in 1644. During Hong Taiji's reign he took part in many military campaigns, including conquests of the Mongols and of Korea. After Hong Taiji's death, Dorgon was involved in a power struggle with Hooge, eldest son of Hong Taiji, for the throne. In the end, they compromised, and Dorgon supported the dead emperor's ninth son, his nephew Fulin (Emperor Shunzhi), to ascend the throne. Dorgon was made regent because Shunzhi was only six at the time of his ascension, and thus he became the de facto ruler of the country (1643-1650) until Shunzhi's ascension.