WHI-Chap15-Obj1

How did the Sui Dynasty reunify China? Why was the dynasty so short lived?

The Sui Dynasty, established in 589 C.E., brought about the reunification of China by launching a series of military campaigns that reunited Chinese territory, and placing all of China under centralized imperial rule. The founder of the dynasty was Yang Jian, who claimed the Mandate of Heaven after forcing his predecessor to abdicate the throne. The emperor immediately established a strict regime that was similar to the Qin dynasty of earlier Chinese history. Placing high demands on their subjects, the Sui emperor ordered the construction of elaborate buildings and palaces, imposed high taxes, forced labor of men and women alike, and maintained an expensive and tightly organized standing army. The meticulous and extensive laws were maintained by strict consequences that threatened the people, who lived in fear of Yang Jian and his rule.

The second emperor was Sui Yangdi, who launched the most expensive and elaborate building project in the dynasty