prolegomenon
First, the significance of the topic selection
On the occasion of the Two Hans. It refers to the period from the end of the Western Han Dynasty to the early years of Emperor Guangwu of the Eastern Han Dynasty. More than 50 years before and after.
Including the collapse of the dynasty at the end of the Western Han Dynasty. Wang Mang dynasty Han Lixin. The armed activities of various political entities in society to overthrow the new dynasty and the establishment of the Eastern Han Dynasty.
It is a major turning point in the history of the two Han dynasties for more than 400 years. Therefore, this period has become a historical period of great concern to scholars.
Many scholars have been involved. In the voluminous volume of research results. Most of the research results of the Two Han Dynasties focus on political history, intellectual history, economic history, commentary on historical figures, and war history.
It focuses on the relevant research on Wang Mang's new dynasty and Liu Xiuguangwu's Zhongxing emperor. But analyze the political process of this period from the perspective of political geography.
There are relatively few studies. So it's a topic worth exploring.
Late Western Han Dynasty. Social unrest. Class and social contradictions are very acute. After the establishment of Wang Mang's new dynasty.
Trying to reconstruct the new political and economic order with Confucianism. A number of political and economic reform measures have been implemented.
But the current state of society has not improved. Corruption in the rule of officials and oppression of the people by the powerful still exist. Even more so than the Western Han Dynasty.
Expectations for the new regime have not been fulfilled. As a result, many resistance forces emerged against the rule of Wang Mang's new dynasty.
Local forces such as Chimei and Green Forest. These rebels failed, reorganized, and were constructed. Become an organized, military, and influential political entity.
It changed the pattern of a unified dynasty centered on the Central Plains Dynasty established since Emperor Wudi of Han.
Previous studies have focused on the examination of key figures in these political entities. Or look at the resistance forces such as the Chimei Army and the Green Forest Army from the perspective of the peasant war.
Few studies have looked at the evolution of political entities from the perspective of political geography. The collapse and restructuring of political bodies is a common phenomenon in sociopolitics.
At the same time, it is also a matter of great concern to historical and political geography. This paper attempts to understand the political geography of the Two Han Dynasties from the perspective of the collapse and reconstruction of political entities.
Incorporate these political entities into the larger historical context of the Two Han Dynasties. Analyze the role of political culture, geographical relations and resource conditions on political entities. This helped advance the study of political geography at the time of the Two Han Dynasties. It is of great significance.
2. Study prehistory
(1) Research on the political history of the Two Han Dynasties
The history of the Qin and Han dynasties has always been the focus of academic research. However, the history of the Two Han Dynasties spans the late Western Han Dynasty, Wang Mang's new dynasty, and the early Eastern Han dynasty.
Neither a unified dynasty. Again not a period of great division in the typical sense. So there are very few research monographs from this period. Most of his research is covered within the framework of the study of Qin and Han history.
Most general history works have detailed discussions on the history of the Two Han Dynasties. In the 40-50s of the 20th century.
Many scholars have written the History of the Qin and Han Dynasties. Zhui Bozan's History of the Qin and Han Dynasties is the first work of the 20th century on the history of the Qin and Han dynasties.
(1) Lao Yu's "History of the Qin and Han Dynasties" briefly introduces the historical process of the two Han dynasties. Focus on ethnic boundaries and political systems.
(2) Lü Simian's "History of the Qin and Han Dynasties" discusses this history in detail in three chapters: "Deeds of the End of the Han Dynasty", "The Beginning and End of the New Chamber" and "The Rise of the Later Han Dynasty".
As far as social organization is concerned. He believes that "the time should be between the new and the Han as the great boundary". Since then, the strength of the strong has continued to increase.
Feudal dependency was further strengthened. This has finally led to a situation of long-term division. (3) Li Yuancheng, He Ziquan, Qian Mu, Tian Yuqing and other general historical works on the Qin and Han dynasties are of great reference significance for historical research on the period of the Two Han Dynasties.
(4) The eighties of the twentieth century. Lin Jianming, An Zuozhang and other scholars have published historical works of the Qin and Han dynasties.
In addition, foreign scholars Cui Ruide and Lu Weiyi edited the Cambridge History of the Qin and Han Dynasties in China. We make full use of the research results of Chinese, Japanese and Western scholars.
To a certain extent, it reflects the level of foreign research on Qin and Han history. (5) The political history of the Qin and Han dynasties has always been the focus of scholars' attention.
Related works include: Meng Xiangcai's "General History of Chinese Politics: Qin and Han Scrolls", and Wang Yumin's "The Political System of the Qin and Han Dynasties" made a general discussion of the political systems of the two Han Dynasties.
(6) Sun Jiazhou's "A Glimpse of the Political Culture of the Two Han Dynasties". He has in-depth research on the political situation, political theory, policies and society of the Han Dynasty under the shadow of mysticism.
Thorough analysis of some key issues. It is of great help to us to understand the political and cultural background of Wang Mang, the Han Dynasty and Liu Xiu's reconstruction of the Eastern Han Dynasty.
(7) Chen Suzhen's "Spring and Autumn" and "Han Dao": A Study of the Politics and Political Culture of the Two Han Dynasties" systematically explores the political changes of the Han Dynasty under the interaction of political thought of "ruling with propriety" and "transforming the people with virtue".
A systematic study of the political and political cultural issues of the Eastern Han Dynasty was newly added to the book. It is worth paying attention to.
(8) Hou Xudong's "Pet: The Relationship between Letter-Ren Monarchs and the Unfolding of Western Han History." On the basis of conventional political history research perspectives.
Complemented by a relational perspective. Focus more on daily activities. It provides us with a new perspective on the political history of the late Western Han Dynasty.
(9) Relevant research papers include: Meng Xiangcai, Tian Xudong, Yang Lu, Xiao Pinghan, etc., discuss the relationship between the dictatorship of foreign qi and the politics of the late Western Han Dynasty.
(10) Li Feng, Liu Xiuming, and others discussed the political situation in the late Western Han Dynasty. (1) Wang Baoding, Guo Shuai, Qu Lili and others analyzed the political trend of the Shiren group at the end of the Western Han Dynasty.
(2) Peng Fengwen discussed the influence of the "great unification" political ideology and culture on people's national identity during the Two Han Dynasties.
(3) Chen Suzhen's article "The Process of the Revival of the Han Dynasty and Its Political and Cultural Background" argues that Liu Xiu, like Liu Bang, was the "founder" of the imperial industry, rather than the "Zhongxing" of the Han Dynasty. The so-called "Han family revival" and other mystical concepts are only to increase their political and cultural advantages.
(4) The study of political history at the time of the Two Han Dynasties is quite rich in thematic research on figures. It mainly focuses on the relevant research of Wang Mang and Liu Xiu.
Wang Mang's people, Wang Mang's reform, and Wang Mang's ethnic policy are all hot issues that scholars are concerned about. Before the 20th century.
Most of the research on Wang Mang is based on the "Book of Han, The Biography of Wang Mang" and the relevant chapters in the "Book of Han" that record the history of the late Han Dynasty to the new dynasty.
Successive generations of scholars have also basically respected and adopted Bangu's narrative and evaluation. However. Since the beginning of the 20th century.
With the unearthing of a large number of Han Jian, Xinmang Jian and cultural relics. Chinese and foreign scholars have conducted deeper and more comprehensive research on Wang Mang and the history of the new dynasty.
There have also been some changes in views on Wang Mang and his reforms. Early 20th century. Represented by Hu Shi, Gu Jiegang and others.
They took the lead in overturning the verdict of Wang Mang in the academic and civil circles for nearly two thousand years. (5) Immediately after.
Represented by Qian Mu, Lv Simian and others. Although most of their writings are based on official history.
However, the evaluation of Wang Mang is very different from Ban Gu's "Biography of Wang Mang". Qian Mu in the article "Liu Xiangxin's Father and Son Yearbook".
He refuted Liu Xin's claim that the forgery of scriptures was usurped by Wang Mang. It is believed that the new Mang's Han dynasty is the natural trend and the desire of the people to develop in the history of the Western Han Dynasty.
In his book "History of the Qin and Han Dynasties", he also once again expounded his views on Wang Mang's new policies. (6) In his book "History of the Qin and Han Dynasties", Lü Simian looked at the aspects of human character, motivation for behavior, ability to learn, and administrative measures.
Give Wang Mang a very high evaluation. It can be said that Wang Mang's case has been completely overturned. (7) Thereafter. Marxist historians, represented by Zhui Bozan and Fan Wenlan, advocated the use of dialectical and two-part methods to conduct Wang Mang's research.
Mid-to-late 20th century. At this stage, there were two main opinions: one believed that Wang Mang conformed to the requirements of historical development.
Take power and develop a programme of social reform. It should be given its rightful place in history. He Ziquan, Deng Guangming, Jin Jiarui, Zhou Gucheng, Hu Jichang, and others all hold this view.
(1) The other believes that Wang Mang is a figure that should be denied. Its restructuring has little positive significance. Nor is he a "reformist".
Such as Li Dingfang, Shang Yu, Yang Yiqiao, Guo Moruo and other scholars. (2) In the 60s and 70s of the 20th century, Wang Mang's research fell into a period of stagnation.
It became active again in the early 80s of the 20th century. During this period, Wang Mang's research made great progress.
Xu Zhixiang and Li Guangji discussed the historical conditions, background and reasons for the failure of Wang Mang's reform. He believes that the evaluation of Wang Mang and his restructuring should be realistic.
(3) Shen Zhong regarded Wang Mang's reform as a "great historical tragedy of Confucian revivalism." (4) Li Dalong, Mo Rennan, and others recognized that Wang Mang's policies and measures against the surrounding ethnic minorities were destructive and reactionary.
(5) Many scholars have also discussed the "Wang Tian" issue and the currency reform in Wang Mang's economic reform.
Also worth paying attention to during this period is the monograph "New Mang's Brief Compilation of New Mang" by Jao Zongyi and Li Junming.
He is based on the research of Japanese scholars Morikazo, Chinese scholars Lao Yu, Ma Xianxing and others.
A total of more than 800 records of Xinmang historical events in Dunhuang and Juyan Han Jianzhong (before 1994) were collected.
This is of great significance to our use of simple materials to study Wang Mang. (6) Enter the 21st century.
The study of Wang Mang and his restructuring is broader and deeper than ever. The relationship between Wang Mang's reform and Confucianism and classical studies is the focus of many scholars' research.
The previous article discussing Qian Mu's "Liu Xiangxin's Father and Son Annals" refutes Kang Youwei's "New Study of Apocryphal Scriptures" that Liu Xin's purpose in forging scriptures is to serve Wang Mang's usurpation of power.
Qian Mu pointed out. When Liu Xin forged ancient scriptures. Wang Mang just retired to the feudal state of Nanyang. There is no usurper motive.
(7) Tang Zhijun et al.'s "Western Han Classics and Politics" demonstrates the auxiliary role of scripture in Wang Mang's reform from the perspective of classics.
Chapters 7 and 8 deal in detail Liu Xin's theories of scripture and Wang Mang's use of scripture.
(8) Zhou Yutong's article "Wang Mang's Reform and the Problems of Modern and Ancient Texts in Classical Studies". It specifically elaborates on the relationship between Jingxue and Wang Mang.
The author believes that Wang Mang attached himself to the Confucian classics as a pretext for the "Togu reform". (9) Yan Buke's "Manuscript of the Political Evolution of Shi Dafu" discusses Wang Mang's reform from the perspective of the convergence of Confucianism and law in the Han Dynasty.
It is believed that Wang Mang's dynasty of Han is a manifestation of the conflict between Confucianism and the civil servants. Emperor Yuan's pursuit of the "royal way" after Emperor Yuan.
Encourage the implementation of "restructuring" and "changing the law." It eventually led to the appearance of Wang Mang's new policy. That is, Confucianism triumphs over Legalism. Implement change.
(10) Yang Quan, "The New Five Virtues Theory and the Politics of the Two Han Dynasties." A dedicated chapter discusses Wang Mang's transplantation and utilization of the "Yaohou Huode" theory. This is of great help to our understanding of Wang Mang and the Han dynasty from a political and cultural perspective.
In addition, Gao Haiyun, Wang Zexin, Zheng Wenxin, Cao Wanfeng and others have written papers exploring the relationship between classical studies and Wang Mang's reform.
(2) Chen Shi, Xu Ming and others reinterpreted Wang Mang's ideal politics. (3) Li Jianxiong, Li Yan, Cai Shijie, Chen Yani, Cao Wanfeng, Hua Yougen and others discussed specific issues in Wang Mang's reform.
(4) Tezhigele, Deng Chunyan, Wang Xiaoxuan, Yu Zhaomu, Shen Gang and others discussed Wang Mang's ethnic policy and ethnic relations in the new dynasty.
(5) It can be seen. Since the 20th century. Much of the research on Wang Mang has focused on the evaluation of his people and his reforms, the relationship between Wang Mang's reforms and classical studies, and Wang Mang's ethnic policies.
However, most scholars see Wang Mang and Wang Mang's new dynasty as a continuation of the Western Han dynasty. rather than an independent political entity.
In our subsequent discussions, we will try to incorporate Wang Mang's new dynasty into the political geography of the Two Han Dynasties.
Discuss its political culture, geographical relationships, and the degree of resource control. Research on Liu Xiu. Qing dynasty scholars Chen Liang, Ye Shi, Wang Fuzhi, Zhao Yi and others have commented on Liu Xiu. Early 20th century. Scholars have studied Liu Xiu mainly from the perspective of his study of Eastern Han politics.
Such as the abolition of slavery and the re-establishment of the political system. Research on Liu Xiu after 1949. Mainly from the point of view of class.
Most of this kind of research precedes historical data. Not strictly scientific research. The large-scale study of Liu Xiu was carried out after the 80s of the 20th century.
Most of the research on Liu Xiu in the 80s of the 20th century was still under the topic of peasant war.
Yu Zongchao mainly studied how Liu Xiu commanded and led the peasant war to victory. He also believes that Liu Xiu is in leveling the separatist forces, stabilizing social order, and unifying the country. All have made great achievements.
(6) Gao Jingxin and Lin Zhenggen discussed Liu Xiu's role in the peasant uprising from both positive and negative sides.
(7) Ma Zhijie's "Liu Xiu" believes that Liu Xiu was a large landowner from the Hao family. But he attaches importance to agricultural production, is diligent and thrifty, and cares about people's livelihood.
This is the basis of his success. But it is also believed that he betrayed the peasant war. After the 80s of the 20th century. The study of Liu Xiu gradually covered all aspects.