6.+Tang+Dynasty+downfall

DECLINE OF TANG EMPIRE The glory of the Tang Empire, like so many other empires all over the world, met a long, slow, and somewhat painful decline. The demise of one of the greatest power forces ever to rule in China came from inside, not out. Multiple factors can be held responsible for the gradual loss of influence and power that the Tang suffered, yet all of them were of their own creation through some policy or another. Several political leaders who were more hungry than interested in the good of the empire gathered large amounts influence, including but not limited to Gao Lishi, and Li Fuguo, both eunuchs. Chancellors and older politicians who did not believe that eunuchs should have power often clashed with these powerful leaders, leading to internal strife. Another part of the problem was the intrigue at court. Different noble families often conflicted, and the social status system was becoming more and more rigid. Hidden agendas became more important than ruling during the end of the Tang dynasty’s court. Yet the common people were also a factor. Although they initially benefitted from the unification of China that the Tang brought, they lost more and more power as the years went. In areas like Fanzhen, rebellions like the An Shi rebellion broke out. In other areas, the peasants became more outspoken about their situation. Their lands were being annexed, and yet their taxes increased every year, and they were not happy. They staged demonstrations and rebellions like the Huang Chao Uprising that permanently damaged the empire. With all of these problems going on, the glory of the Tang Empire was slowly but surely vanishing.

ABOVE: A mural depicting the Tang squashing a rebel revolt