On The Rise Of The Late Tang Zhu Quanzhong Forces

The dissertation discussed the origin of the thriving of Zhu Quanzhong (Zhu)'s power in late Tang Dynasty (late Tang), based in the characteristic of Zhu and the specific historical context of late Tang. With the theory of military history and history of politics, the author analyzed the uniqueness of Zhu's dominance and gave an insight to the complicated social conflicts of late Tang.The first part of the dissertation discussed the subjective factors affected Zhu's power. Zhu built a valorous force, which allied with him and expanded gradually. The pre-followers (Xuan Wu force) of Huang Chao, who based in Xuan Wu Town, were an essential factor affected the development of Zhu's power. The ally was founded on the hunger for power and treasure of Xuan Wu force, and Zhu's individual ability. Besides, Zhu's troops were originated from Huang Chao rebellion army, who had learned lessons from Huang Chao's failure, and chose the applicable mode of its development.Compared with Huang Chao and Qin Zongquan's dominance, Zhu's administration was proved to be more applicable and effective. Huang and Qin fought against the military power of the Tang central government, at the same time, against the governors of the separatist's regions (Fanzhen). Zhu, in the contrary, survived by siding with the Tang government exteriorly. His dominance avoided the attacks started by Tang government to Fanzhen. Zhu's own prestige also attracted talents and capable people. His tactics against other Fanzhen was to manipulate the conflicts between them, associate with one to take another down, in order to weaken all his rivalries. In the regards of administration of his own dominance, Zhu put economy development in an important position, improved people's life, thus created a stable foundation of his dominance.The second part of the dissertation discussed the objective factors of Zhu's thriving, based on the context of Tang's Fanzhen threats. Towns adjacent to Xuan Wu Town, e.g. Guan Dong and towns in Shan Dong Province, declined gradually in the conflicts between different Fanzhen governors and the problems existed in the central government. Zhu grasped the chances to take over these Fanzhen. On the other hand, towns in He Bei region, from mid-Tang period, had accumulated resources and power, e.g. military force, social treasure and traffic facilities, which all created pre-conditions for Zhu's thriving.