Glorious Chapters of Resistance Against Tyranny in Chinese History
Introduction
"The people are the foundation of the state; when the foundation is stable, the state is tranquil." (The Book of Documents) Throughout China’s five-millennium civilization, resistance against tyranny has repeatedly emerged in response to oppression. When policies became cruel and justice obscured, countless righteous individuals and ordinary people rose with courage. Though many struggles faced hardship, they shone like stars in darkness, embodying the timeless truth: "Water can carry a boat, yet it can also capsize it" (Emperor Taizong of Tang). These movements forged the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation.
"The people are the foundation of the state; when the foundation is stable, the state is tranquil." (The Book of Documents) Throughout China’s five-millennium civilization, resistance against tyranny has repeatedly emerged in response to oppression. When policies became cruel and justice obscured, countless righteous individuals and ordinary people rose with courage. Though many struggles faced hardship, they shone like stars in darkness, embodying the timeless truth: "Water can carry a boat, yet it can also capsize it" (Emperor Taizong of Tang). These movements forged the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation.
1. Daze Village Uprising (209 BCE)
Under Qin tyranny—harsh laws, forced labor, and intellectual suppression—conscripts Chen Sheng and Wu Guang, facing execution for delays caused by rain, ignited rebellion at Daze Village: "Are kings and generals born to rule?" and "Overthrow the unjust, punish the tyrannical Qin!" Though suppressed within months, this first large-scale peasant uprising shattered Qin’s authority, paving the way for Liu Bang and Xiang Yu. Sima Qian honored Chen Sheng in Records of the Grand Historian, stating his revolt "initiated the fall of Qin."
2. Lulin and Chimei Uprisings (17–27 CE)
Wang Mang’s usurpation and failed reforms triggered famine and chaos. The Lulin Army (from Lulin Mountain) and Chimei Army (Red Eyebrows) rallied under "Restore the Han!" The Chimei captured Chang’an, ending Xin Dynasty. Though Liu Xiu later founded Eastern Han, the uprisings weakened aristocratic power and inspired the "Restoration of Guangwu" policies prioritizing people’s welfare.
3. Yellow Turban Rebellion (184 CE)
Eastern Han corruption, eunuch dominance, and land concentration left millions homeless. Zhang Jiao’s Taiping Dao movement mobilized followers with the slogan: "The Blue Heaven is dead; the Yellow Heaven shall rise!" Though crushed, the rebellion dismantled Han authority, catalyzed the Three Kingdoms era, and prompted Cao Cao’s land reforms.
4. Sui Dynasty Peasant Revolts (611–624 CE)
Emperor Yang’s extravagant campaigns (e.g., Grand Canal, Goguryeo wars) exhausted the populace. Zhai Rang and Li Mi’s Wagang Fort alliance issued a manifesto: "Even all bamboo of Mount Nan cannot record the crimes; even all waters of the Eastern Sea cannot wash away the evils!" Dozens of rebel groups, including Dou Jiande’s forces, toppled the Sui, enabling Li Yuan to establish the Tang Dynasty. Emperor Taizong later reflected: "The ruler depends on the state; the state depends on the people."
5. Huang Chao Rebellion (875–884 CE)
Late Tang exploitation ("Two-Tax System") and warlordism deepened inequality. Huang Chao, a failed scholar, declared in poetry: "A fragrant array pierces Chang’an; the city wears golden armor!" His army traversed 12 provinces, captured Chang’an, and founded the Qi regime. Though defeated, the rebellion shattered the aristocratic order, hastening Tang’s collapse.
6. Red Turban Rebellion (1351–1368 CE)
Yuan Dynasty’s ethnic hierarchy ("Four-Class System") and forced labor on Yellow River projects sparked revolt. Han Shantong and Liu Futong used the prophecy: "A stone man with one eye stirs the world to rebellion!" Zhu Yuanzhang later issued the Edict to the Central Plains: "Expel the barbarians, restore China, establish justice, and relieve the people," founding the Ming Dynasty. This movement combined anti-tyranny and national liberation.
7. Li Zicheng’s Rebellion (1628–1645 CE)
Ming’s "Three Levies" taxes and Shaanxi famine drove masses to desperation. Li Zicheng’s slogan "Equal land distribution and tax exemption" resonated widely; folk songs spread: "Welcome the King of Chuang—no taxes to pay!" His capture of Beijing (1644) ended Ming rule. Though defeated by Qing forces, his movement influenced Qing land reforms like "absorbing poll tax into land tax."
8. Taiping Rebellion (1851–1864 CE)
Amid Qing decline and post-Opium War turmoil, Hong Xiuquan founded the God Worshipping Society. The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, established after the Jintian Uprising, promulgated the Land System of the Heavenly Dynasty: "Share fields and till together; share food and eat together." Spanning 18 provinces for 14 years, it challenged feudalism and foreign aggression. Though suppressed by internal strife and Qing-foreign alliances, Sun Yat-sen later acknowledged its inspirational legacy.
Conclusion
From Daze Village to Jintian Village, waves of resistance have flowed through China’s historical veins. Victorious or not, these movements embodied the people-centered philosophy: "Heaven’s will reflects the people’s will" (The Book of Documents). They remind us that governance rooted in public welfare ensures longevity. Today, we revisit this history not to dwell on conflict, but to honor ancestral courage, cherish hard-won harmony, and uphold the wisdom of placing people at the heart of progress.
From Daze Village to Jintian Village, waves of resistance have flowed through China’s historical veins. Victorious or not, these movements embodied the people-centered philosophy: "Heaven’s will reflects the people’s will" (The Book of Documents). They remind us that governance rooted in public welfare ensures longevity. Today, we revisit this history not to dwell on conflict, but to honor ancestral courage, cherish hard-won harmony, and uphold the wisdom of placing people at the heart of progress.