Dynastic Cycle

• Mandate of heaven = one absolute ruler that has approval from the heavens
  • No time limitations
  • Did not have to be of noble birth
  • Could lose mandate
  • Series of disaster occurred → lost heavens’ approval
    • Common people were then justified to rebel
• Dynastic cycle:

1. New dynasty gains power → claims mandate of heaven

2. Now a strong and established dynasty → considered mandate of heaven

3. Dynasty becomes corrupt → taxes are raised → power = weaker

4. Disasters (floods, famines, revolts, invasions)

5. Dynasty has lost mandate → rebellion is justified

6. Dynasty is overthrown through rebellion + bloodshed

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Example:

• Tang dynasty

1. Emerges after Sui dynasty is gone
2. Expands territory + influence; major trading power
3. Requires an expansion of bureaucracy → regions become more powerful than centralized government
4. Wars between different regions
5. Dynasty is disliked
6. Overthrown