Which statement best describes the Qing ruler Emperor Kangxi?

- He was a brutal leader, responsible for the death of hundreds of thousands of Chinese peasants.

- He was only a child as emperor, dying before he reached adulthood.

- He was a weak ruler who was not directly involved in the government.

- He was a successful military leader, putting down rebellions and conquering territory.

The correct answer is the fourth one: he was a successful military leader, putting down rebellions and conquering territory.

Explanation:

The Kangxi Emperor (1654-1722) ruled over China for 61 years (from 1661 to 1722), making him the longest serving Chinese emperor in history. He was crowned as emperor of the Qing dynasty when he was seven years old. After a series of regents, he took control of his empire at age 13, and ruled until his death, when he was 68 years old.

The Kangxi Emperor was renowned being a successful military leader. He put down the Revolt of the Three Feudatories (1673-1681), led by feudal lords against his empire. He also conquered new territories: as Ming dynasty loyalists fled to Taiwan, he sent a fleet of 300 ships in 1683 to conquer the Ming Kingdom of Tungning. Ming forces were defeated, and Taiwan became part of Qing China. To the north and northweat, Emperor Kangxi fought against Mongol rebel forces under the Dzungar Khanate, forcing them to submit to the Qing Empire. Because of his military victories, the Kangxi Emperor is highly regarded as one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history.