Emperor Bảo Đại was the last reigning emperor of Vietnam, ruling from 1926 until 1945. He was born on October 22, 1913, and was a member of the Nguyễn dynasty. His reign was marked by the struggle between traditional monarchy and the rising influence of colonial powers, particularly France. In 1945, following the end of World War II, Bảo Đại abdicated the throne during the August Revolution, which led to the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. After his abdication, he lived in exile for many years and returned to Vietnam briefly in 1949, but he never regained power. He passed away on July 30, 1997.