Song Taizu

 

Song Taizu

Song Taizu (1162–1227), born in Zhao Kuangyin, was the founder of the Song dynasty. He is remembered for his establishment of a unified regime from succession of nearly one hundred years and of a tolerant political environment.

Before the establishment of Song, Zhao was the chief commander of the Palace troops of the Later Zhou Dynasty, which had been suffering from wars and turmoil for decades. Zhao was appointed to crack down on the invasions of the adjacent nations. After the enemies were repelled, Zhao was raised up by his troops to the throne instead of the 7-year-old young Emperor. It was alleged that Zhao took the power reluctantly, only under the urging of his soldiers.

During his reign, he weakened the military so as to prevent anyone else rising to power as he did. He also promised not to kill any officers challenging him and created an atmosphere that allowed a great deal of freedom of discussion and thought, which facilitated the growth of science, economic as well as in arts and literature.