The final Chinese dynasty was the Manchu dynasty, which lasted from 1644 to 1912. It was founded by the Manchus, a semi-nomadic people from Manchuria, and was the last imperial dynasty of China. The Manchu dynasty was known for its military prowess and expansionist policies, and it was during this period that China reached its greatest territorial extent. The Manchu dynasty was eventually overthrown in 1912 by the Xinhai Revolution, which marked the end of imperial rule in China.