Trajectories to rebellion: the Former Han dynasty

Ralph D. Sawyer

Small Wars and Insurgencies, 2020, vol. 31, issue 5, 956-987

Abstract: After succeeding the Qin, the Former Han reverted to the earlier practice of discrete localized authority. This resulted in an intermixed system of directly administered entities in the Wei River Valley, where the capital of Chang’an was located, and individual kingdoms east of the mountains that isolate the Guanzhong area. This hybrid system inherently nurtured a tendency to rebellion. When the Han suppressed the Revolt of the Seven Kingdoms in 154 BCE, it ensured China would remain on a unified trajectory. However, the revolt was a precursor to coups and putsches that imperial relatives, powerful generals, and entrenched provincial officials would mount over the centuries. Even though not the only form of insurgency China would witness before the modern era, often being undertaken by charismatic individuals with dedicated followers, considerable material resources and military forces, they proved particuarly devastating. Populist revolts and religiously based movements might threaten the established order, but were never marked by the same invidious nature.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1080/09592318.2020.1764712

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