As an ancient country with a long history, China has seen many dynasties change and monarchs ascending the throne at different times. After ascending the throne, these founding emperors achieved remarkable achievements through the implementation of various political, economic and military reforms, which had a profound impact on the development and prosperity of Chinese feudal society. This article will start from the perspective of the founding emperors of the past and use the timeline as a clue to introduce how they ascended the throne and their greatest credit. As for who is the number one founding emperor, I think this question naturally has different answers in the minds of friends.
I. Qin Shi Huang (221 - 210)
Born in the Warring States period, he inherited the throne of Qin at the age of thirteen, suppressed the rebellion, and monopolized the power of the Qin state after removing his powerful ministers. As the first emperor in Chinese history, Qin Shi Huang established the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC and is also honored as Qin Shi Huangdi. He unified the six kingdoms through conquest, eliminated the division of princes, unified the Chinese mainland, and achieved the first great unification in Chinese history. After Qin Shi Huang ascended the throne, he implemented a series of political and cultural reforms in the form of "burning books and pit Confucianism" and "unifying weights and measures, words, and wheels", which enabled the Qin Dynasty to achieve political centralization and cultural unity under his rule.
However, Qin Shi Huang's greatest credit should be that he established China's feudal system and standardized the country's administrative and economic management. He achieved the standardization of local administration and the strengthening of centralization by implementing the county system and the county official system. He also implemented a series of economic policies, including the implementation of the system of equal fields and the system of weights and measures, which promoted the prosperity of land and trade, and promoted economic development. These political and economic reforms laid the foundation for the prosperity and development of the Qin Dynasty.
Qin Shi Huang's reign also faced much controversy and criticism. His policy of "burning books and punishing Confucianism" led to the destruction of a large number of ancient texts at that time, and the loss of cultural heritage was immeasurable. His policy of unification also led to a great deal of war and suffering among the people. Finally, shortly after the death of Qin Shi Huang, there was civil unrest in the Qin Dynasty, which led to the demise of the Qin Dynasty.
2. Liu Bang, ancestor of Han Gao (202 - 195)
Liu Bang served as the head of the Surabaya Pavilion in Pei County, and after Chen Sheng Wuguang rebelled, he gathered 3,000 sons to attack Pei County, proclaimed himself the Duke of Pei, and then won the battle with Xiang Yu, the overlord of Western Chu. Liu Bang was the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty and was also honored as Emperor Gaozu of Han. He overthrew the Qin Dynasty in 202 BC and established the Han Dynasty, becoming the first Han emperor in Chinese history. After Liu Bang ascended the throne, he skillfully coped with internal and external difficulties through both wise and courageous political means, and successfully consolidated his dominance.
One of Liu Bang's greatest credits is his political dexterity. He advocated the principle of "clear judgment, thrift, and leniency" for governing the country, and implemented many beneficial policies, such as the implementation of the "field endowment system" to reduce the burden of the people, the implementation of the policy of "release and return", the release of officials and people suppressed by the Qin Dynasty, the reduction of social contradictions, and the gradual restoration of social stability and economic prosperity in the country.
In addition, Liu Bang also adopted a wise foreign policy, established friendly relations with other countries, forged alliances, and consolidated his international status. He also gathered a group of outstanding generals, such as Han Xin and Peng Yue, established a strong military force, quelled rebellions in various places internally, recovered lost territory externally, defended the country's territory, and achieved national tranquility and security.
Liu Bang's rule also faced some problems and challenges. He adopted a policy of pardoning eunuchs and dividing the vassals, which led to the formation of the separationary system, weakened the centralization of power, and led to the emergence of the later Wang Mang New Dynasty. In addition, he also made some mistakes in handling the relationship between the family and the courtiers, which led to the dictatorship of the courtiers during the later Han Xuan Emperor. Eventually, after Liu Bang's death, the Han Dynasty fell into a series of civil strife and power struggles, leading to the emergence of the later Eastern Han Dynasty.
3. Yang Jian, Emperor Wen of Sui (Sui Dynasty: 581 - 604)
Yang Jian claimed to be the grandson of Yang Zhen 14th of the Eastern Han Dynasty, who was from the Hao clan, and later assisted Northern Zhou, and after becoming prime minister, he captured Northern Zhou and established the Sui Dynasty. Yang Jian was the founding emperor of the Sui Dynasty and was also honored as Emperor Wen of Sui. He established the Sui Dynasty in 581 AD, ending years of division between the North and the South, unifying the Chinese mainland, and achieving the second great unification in Chinese history.
After Yang Jian ascended the throne, he consolidated his dominance through a series of political and military reforms. He introduced "reform and custom" to strengthen centralization and unification. He also implemented a series of military reforms, increased the establishment and equipment of the army, improved the combat capability of the army, and ensured the country's national defense and security. He also implemented many beneficial policies, such as the implementation of the system of equal fields, which reduced the burden on farmers and promoted agricultural production and economic development. He also attached importance to cultural education, promoted the reform of the education system, promoted the imperial examination, advocated cultural elegance and customs, and promoted cultural prosperity and social progress.
One of the greatest credits of the Sui Emperor Yang Jian was the unification of the division of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the establishment of the Sui Dynasty, and the realization of the second great unification in Chinese history. Through powerful political means and military force, he eliminated the division and division of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and realized the centralization of power and the unification of the country. This was of far-reaching historical significance to China at that time, promoting social unity and stability, and laying the foundation for the later Tang and Song dynasties.
Emperor Wen of Sui's reign also faced some problems and challenges. When he implemented reforms, he adopted tough measures, which led to some social contradictions and popular dissatisfaction. His political tactics were also criticized as too authoritarian, leading to opposition from some officials and the population. In addition, some of the policies he implemented also had some mistakes in practice, which led to some poor results.
4. Emperor Taizong of Tang Li Shimin (Tang Dynasty: 626 - 649)
Li Shimin joined the army as a teenager, rescued Emperor Sui, and later launched the Xuanwu Gate Rebellion, killing the crown prince Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji the Prince of Qi and was made crown prince. Li Shimin was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty and was honored as Emperor Taizong of Tang. He is one of the famous emperors in Chinese history and is known as the founder of the "Reign of Zhenguan". Received the honorific title of Heavenly Khan in the northern region.
After Li Shimin ascended the throne in 626, he established the Tang Dynasty under the rule of Shengshi through a series of political and military means. He carried out a series of political reforms, promoted the principle of "ruling the country by culture," attached importance to the selection of qualified personnel and political ethics, promoted the improvement of the official examination system, selected a large number of talented and virtuous officials, and promoted political clarity and integrity. He also attached importance to the building of military strength, carried out reform of the army's establishment and equipment, improved the army's combat capability, and ensured the country's national defense and security.
Li Shimin also implemented a series of economic policies that promoted the development of agriculture and commerce. He implemented the system of equal fields, which reduced the burden on farmers and promoted the prosperity of agricultural production. He also reformed the tax system, lightened the tax burden on businesses, promoted commerce and trade, and promoted economic prosperity.
In addition, Emperor Taizong of Tang Li Shimin also attached importance to cultural education and promoted the reform of the education system. He set up Guozijian, advocated literary customs and customs, and paid attention to the cultivation of scholars and academic development. He also collected extensive folk songs and historical materials, and edited books such as "Zhenguan Politician" and "Taihe Zhengyin Score", which played a positive role in promoting the inheritance and development of history and culture.
Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, also promoted foreign policy reforms and expanded the territory and influence of the Tang Empire. He implemented the policy of expanding his territory, and through foreign conquests, he incorporated the Western Regions, Nanzhao, Tubo and other places into the territory of the Tang Dynasty, strengthening the centralization of power and the unity of the country. He also actively carried out diplomatic activities, established friendly diplomatic relations with neighboring countries and nations, promoted cultural and economic exchanges, promoted the rise of the international status of the Tang Dynasty, and laid an important foundation for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty in the later century.
Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin's reign, was not all smooth sailing. In implementing the reforms, he faced opposition from some officials and local forces, which made it difficult to implement some policies. He also faced external threats, such as Tubo and Turkic infestations, and made great efforts and sacrifices against these foreign enemies.
V. Emperor Taizu of Song Zhao Kuangyin (Song Dynasty: 960 - 976)
Zhao Kuangyin was born in a military family, and after joining the army, he repeatedly achieved battle merits, and was added to the yellow robe after the Chen Qiao Mutiny was launched as a military general. Zhao Kuangyin was the first emperor of the Song Dynasty and was honored as Emperor Taizu of Song. He is one of the famous emperors in Chinese history and is known as the founder of the "Jianlong Industry".
After Zhao Kuangyin ascended the throne in 960, he established the Song Dynasty through a series of political and military means, realizing the third great unification in Chinese history. He adopted ingenious political tactics, balanced the various forces, established a centralized position, and implemented a series of political and economic reforms that promoted the stability and prosperity of the country.
One of Zhao Kuangyin's greatest credits is his political skill and intelligence. After ascending the throne, he took reconciliation and appeasement as the main principles, eliminated internal contradictions and divisions, reduced confrontation between local forces, and promoted the consolidation and unification of political power. He also advocated Confucianism and paid attention to the culture of etiquette, which promoted the prosperity of culture and social harmony.
In terms of economic reform, Zhao Kuangyin implemented a series of policies that promoted the development of agriculture, handicrafts and commerce. He reformed the land system, lightened the burden on farmers, and promoted the growth of agricultural production. He encouraged the development of handicrafts, advocated commerce and trade, and contributed to the prosperity of the commodity economy. He also implemented the imperial examination system, selected talents, promoted social mobility and the formation of social classes, and promoted social and economic development.
Zhao Kuangyin also attached importance to military construction and promoted the modernization of the armed forces. He carried out a series of military reforms, including reforming the establishment, equipment and management system of the army, strengthening the centralization of power and the unified command of the army. He also strengthened the construction of border defense lines, defended the national territory, and consolidated the country's security.
In addition, Zhao Kuangyin implemented a series of political and cultural reforms to promote the development of the official system and science and technology. He weakened the power of eunuchs, strengthened the centralization of power of the emperor, raised the selection criteria for officials, and promoted the formalization and scientificization of the official system. He also paid attention to the development of science and technology, promoted the improvement and dissemination of farmland water conservancy, textile industry, paper industry, smelting industry and other technologies, and promoted economic prosperity and social progress.
Zhao Kuangyin's reign was not without problems. He implemented some policies to weaken local forces, which led to opposition and resistance from some local forces. He also faced external threats such as Liao and Western Xia, and although he maintained stability on the frontier through a series of diplomatic means, he still needed to deal with external security challenges.
6. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty (Ming Dynasty: 1368 - 1398)
Zhu Yuanzhang was born into a poor peasant family, herded cattle for landlords when he was young, and later became a monk in response to social unrest, and at the age of twenty-five joined the Red Turban Army to rebel against the Yuan Dynasty, and overthrew the Yuan Dynasty with the call to "expel Hu Yu and restore China". Zhu Yuanzhang was the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty and was honored as Emperor Taizu of Ming. He was one of the famous founding emperors in Chinese history, and with his outstanding leadership and thoughtful political skills, he successfully ascended the throne and established the Ming Dynasty, ushering in a new era in Chinese history.
Zhu Yuanzhang was born into a poor peasant family, and he has been a farmer for generations since he was a child. However, from an early age, he demonstrated exceptional intelligence and outstanding leadership skills. As an adult, Zhu Yuanzhang actively participated in the uprising against the Mongol rule of the time, and with his ingenuity and military talent, he gradually rose to prominence and became the leader of the rebel army. Eventually, he led the rebel army to overthrow Mongol rule, ascend the throne as emperor, and establish the Ming Dynasty.
One of Zhu Yuanzhang's greatest credits is his outstanding leadership in unifying China. At the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, China and abroad faced severe challenges, including the division of local forces, the suffering of the people, and the threat of frontiers. As a leader with outstanding wisdom and military talent, Zhu Yuanzhang implemented a series of political, economic, military and cultural reforms, successfully consolidating political power and promoting the unity and development of the country.
On the political front, Zhu Yuanzhang introduced a series of political reforms, including the establishment of a centralized bureaucratic system, which strengthened the centralization of imperial power, weakened the power of local forces, and ensured the unity and stability of the country. He also adopted a variety of measures to purge the ranks of officials, raise the standards for the selection of officials, reduce corruption, and promote political clarity and integrity.
In terms of economic reform, Zhu Yuanzhang implemented a series of policies to promote the development of agriculture and handicrafts. He reduced the tax burden on farmers, encouraged the development of arable land and water conservancy, and promoted the growth of agricultural production. He also encouraged the development of handicrafts, advocated commerce and trade, promoted the prosperity of the commodity economy, and promoted the development of the country's economy.
Zhu Yuanzhang also paid attention to military construction, strengthened the training and equipment of the army, and promoted the modernization of the army. He implemented a system of military service, improved the treatment and training of soldiers, built a strong army, ensured the security of the country and the stability of the frontiers. He also actively expanded abroad, resisted the aggression of neighboring countries, and protected the country's territory and national dignity.
Zhu Yuanzhang has also made positive contributions to culture. He advocated Confucianism, emphasized Confucian morality and ethics, respected traditional Chinese culture, and attached importance to education and talent training. He revised history textbooks, compiled canons, promoted the organization and preservation of documents, and promoted the prosperity and inheritance of culture.
In addition to political, economic, military and cultural reforms, Zhu Yuanzhang also made positive efforts in other areas. He paid attention to people's livelihood and woe, and took a series of measures to improve people's living conditions, including reducing taxes, building water conservancy, opening up territory, building roads, etc., to improve people's well-being.
In addition, Zhu Yuanzhang also paid attention to thrift, honesty and self-discipline, set an example by requiring officials to be honest and honest, and advocated a political atmosphere of integrity and honesty. He also actively carried out charity and relief activities, caring for the vulnerable, reflecting his deep affection and concern for the people.
To sum up, Zhu Yuanzhang, as the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, has shown outstanding leadership and thoughtful political skills since he ascended the throne, making significant contributions to the opening of a new era in Chinese history. He implemented a series of political, economic, military and cultural reforms, consolidated his regime, promoted the unity and development of the country, and promoted the well-being of the people and the prosperity of culture. His leadership style and political wisdom became a great story in Chinese history, setting an example for future emperors and leaders, leaving a profound impact.
In the process of ascending the throne and reigning, the founding emperors of China not only needed to face internal and external political, economic, military and cultural challenges, but also needed to adopt different policies and means according to the current situation and national conditions in order to maintain national unity and stability. Their ruling achievements and historical status have been evaluated differently in different historical periods, but as historical figures and national leaders, they have left an important chapter in Chinese history and have had a profound impact on Chinese history and culture.