Emperor Gaozu of Tang
The title of Tang Gaozu (唐 高祖, Táng Gāozǔ; * 566, † June 25 635 ) is the founder of the Tang Dynasty. He was originally named Li Yuan (李渊, lǐ yuan), crashed 618, the Sui Dynasty and ruled until his abdication in September 626
Life
Li Yuan belonged to the aristocracy of the Northwest and his family - as in these parts of the country not uncommon - known for their marriage relations with the "barbarians".
Since 610, the Sui Empire was shaken by repeated rebellions, a total of about 200 in seven years. A first reason were famines caused by floods in the lower Huanghe ( Yellow River ). In the midst of this situation were the imperial Truppenaushebungen for three lossy Korea wars ( 612/13/14 ). The following peasant revolts were supported by the aristocracy of the Northwest, and the reactions of the Emperor it also deteriorated even relations with the Eastern Turks.
As general of the Sui dynasty, Li Yuan looked down 615/16, some of these peasant uprisings. His son Li Shimin helped 615 the Sui Emperor Yang di case of a sudden attack of the Turks Shibi Khan (r. 609-21 ) during an inspection tour. Finally, Li Yuan was appointed governor of Taiyuan in Shanxi ( 617). At the same time, the Sui Emperor moved to a pleasure trip back to the south and let the rebellious north alone. That was a serious mistake.
It is now called, Li Shimin had his indecisive father forced with a harem intrigue to revolt against the Sui. Anyway: Li Yuan stood up, formed an alliance with the Turks Khan to keep clear the back, and then sent his troops under his sons Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin the capital Chang'an, which was occupied September 617. Then he installed initially a grandson Yang Dis as puppet emperor and mounted ( after the assassination of Yang Dis) on 18 June 618 the throne himself.
But that he did not have the power in the country, because there were several rebel leader who fought for supremacy. So he proceeded to pacify China, which the Tang succeeded to 624/28. Among the measures taken in this case included severe penalties for the maintenance of discipline among the troops, the immediate output of the stored grain to alleviate the famine, a reorganization of the administration to integrate former rebel leader and last but not least the revision of the criminal law ( 624 ff.) Even many ladies of the harem were " dismissed " in the interest of popularity.
The Emperor Gaozu was considered cautious, generous and gracious. It is said that his son Li Shimin had taken from him all the work. Soon after the assassination of the Crown Prince Li Jiancheng, Li Shimin by while family disputes, he abdicated in his favor.