• 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

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