Download Wudi, or “Emperor Wu”, was one of the most influential rulers of the

Wudi
Wudi, or “Emperor Wu”, was one of the most influential rulers of the Han
Dynasty. Ascending to the throne at the age of 15, Wudi ruled China for over 50
years, from 141 to 87 BCE.
Han rulers before Wudi concentrated on rebuilding China. They tried to avoid
battles with those outside of China. Wudi, on the other hand, was intent on
expanding China. Wudi’s army conquered independent states and waged wars
against the Xiongnu, the nomadic tribes to the north of China. In fact, the title,
“Wudi” actually means “martial emperor.” Colonists and diplomats were sent to
the south, southeast, north and north east, leading Chinese culture to take root
in areas now known as Vietnam and Korea. Under Wudi, China nearly doubled
in size. Wudi also undertook major projects such as the construction of a canal to
transport grain from eastern China to the capital of Chang’an.
Confucius was a philosopher and teacher who lived during the Zhou Dynasty
(1050-256 BCE). It was under Wudi’s reign that Confucianism became the
official government orthodoxy. Among other traits, Confucianism valued
qualities such as self-restraint, concern for others, and loyalty to superiors. Wudi
recognized the advantages to employing men who held these values. As a result,
Wudi ordered all regions to send men of good character and learning to the
capital. There, they were tested to see whether they would make good
government officials and were then educated in the Confucian classics in a state
educational system. Confucian beliefs continue to influence Chinese and other
Asian countries’ government, society, and culture to this day.
Wudi’s achievements, however, did not come without a price. Wudi needed to
finance his military campaigns and his own lifestyle. He did so by establishing
state monopolies for salt and iron. He also levied heavy taxes. Many people felt
burdened by Wudi’s constant military campaigns and his financial policies.
Punishments under his rule were often exceedingly harsh. For instance, Sima
Qian, one of the greatest historians in all of Chinese history, spoke out in defense
of a general who had displeased Wudi. By doing so, Sima Qian angered Wudi,
who then ordred that Sima Qian by mutilated. Toward the end of Wudi’s reign,
peasant revolts occurred throughout the empire. Ironically, Wudi’s policies that
brought the Han Dynasty to its height were also part of the cause of its decline.