Emperor Taizu of Song (960 AD–976 AD)
Emperor Taizu of Song, also known as Zhao Kuangyin, was the first Song emperor of China and the founder of the Song dynasty. He was in power between 960 through 976 AD. He had served as a military officer in the army of the Later Zhou dynasty until he unlawfully usurped power and forced Emperor Gong, the final Zhou emperor, to abdicate. Emperor Taizu is credited with unifying medieval China after the country was divided into several warring states following the disintegration of the Tang Dynasty.
Emperor Taizu, a steadfast military leader who also founded a school of Chinese martial arts, was initially a shogun during the short Later Zhou dynasty. His soldiers assembled on an expedition and requested that he take to the throne.
Song Taizu ended one of China's most turbulent eras. He was a strong supporter of academies that promoted intellectual independence, and he also had a significant impact on the development of the empire's educational system. As a result, several publications lauding the Song period as the height of Chinese liberty were written. Most crucially, after his ascent, Song Taizu skillfully eliminated the influence of military leaders by using compulsion rather than violence or murder. The action was crucial in releasing China from the long-standing threat of internal feuds in the years immediately succeeding his rule. It also ensured the establishment of the Song dynasty and the start of China's golden age.
To conclude, Emperor Taizu of Song:
- was the first Song emperor of China and was in power between 960 through 976 AD.
- was a steadfast military leader who also founded a school of Chinese martial arts.
- ended one of China's most turbulent eras.
- was a strong supporter of academies that promoted intellectual independence.
- also had a significant impact on the development of the empire's educational system.
- was skillful military leadership in liberating China from the long-term threat ensuring the beginning of China's golden age.
