Nguyễn Phúc Bảo Đại (1913-1997) was the last Emperor of Vietnam, ruling from 1926 until 1945. He was born into the Nguyễn dynasty, which was the last ruling dynasty of Vietnam. Bảo Đại's reign saw significant political changes, including the rise of nationalism and the struggle for independence from French colonial rule. In 1945, following Japan's defeat in World War II, Bảo Đại abdicated the throne and briefly served as a figurehead in the new Democratic Republic of Vietnam. He later lived in exile in France and returned to Vietnam in 1949, but his influence diminished as the country moved towards a republic.