The Sui Dynasty in China lasted from AD 581 to AD 618, unifying the nation and achieving economic prosperity. The construction of the Grand Canal was a major achievement, but the dynasty declined due to Emperor Yang Guang’s tyranny and military campaigns, leading to famine and rebellion. The dynasty fell apart with the last emperor’s death and was followed by the Tang Dynasty.
The Sui Dynasty in China lasted only 38 years, from AD 581 to AD 618. Only three emperors reigned during this period, with great tyranny practiced by the second ruler, Emperor Yang Guang. Many achievements were made during this period, including unification, economic prosperity, and stabilization of society.
The country of China was divided at the end of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and in 581 Yang Jian assumed the government and established himself as Emperor Wen. He founded the Sui dynasty with Chang’an, today’s Xi’an, as its capital. By 589, all remaining entities of the Southern Dynasties had been destroyed, thus unifying the entire nation.
As the whole nation was unified, political and economic advances flourished. Vast agricultural lands were obtained, which favored a greater production of crops, and the technology of shipbuilding was greatly improved. Furthermore, taxes and agricultural lands were reorganized in order to increase economic prosperity.
Politics during the Sui Dynasty also saw serious changes. The system of three departments and six ministries was established, which increased the power of the ruling class and organized the division of labor. Before Sui, China picked talented members of the bureaucracy through the hierarchy. During the Sui period, this facility was set aside in favor of studying and examining the requirements for official positions.
One of the major achievements of the Sui Dynasty was the construction of the Grand Canal, which is still the longest canal in the world. Emperor Yang ordered this canal to be created going north to south, centered in Luoyang, a very prosperous city at the time. This canal became the new method of transportation in China and increased trade, thereby contributing to the expansion of the economy.
The decline of the Sui dynasty began with the usurpation of the throne by the second ruler, Emperor Yang Guang. He ran a court for hard labor and heavy military service. He sent his troops to war with Gaoli, today’s Korea, which weakened the country by displacing peasants from their farms. With no farmers to produce crops, famine was rife during this time.
Due to the widespread misery this situation caused, the rebels began to form into powerful units. One of the main forces was the Wagang Army, led by Zhai Rang and Li Mi. This army seized the court granary and supplied the peasants with food.
Due to the revolting factions, the Sui court weakened. When the last emperor was strangled by a member of his own court, the dynasty fell apart. The Sui Dynasty was followed by the Tang Dynasty, which became one of the most glorious periods in Chinese history.
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