Huang Chao - Background

Background

The Tang Dynasty, established in 618, had already passed its golden age and entered its long decline beginning with the An Lushan Rebellion by Sogdian general An Lushan. The power of provincial military governors (Jiedushi) increased greatly after imperial troops crushed the Anshi rebels. The morals of these generals also decayed as their power increased, the resentment of common people against the inability of the government grew, and their grievances exploded into several rebellions during the mid-9th century. Many impoverished farmers, tax-burdened landowners and merchants, as well as many large salt smuggling operations, formed the base of the anti-government rebellions of this period. Wang Xianzhi and Huang Chao were two of the important rebel leaders during this era.

It is not known when Huang was born, but it is known that he was from Yuanju (冤句, in modern Heze, Shandong). His family had been salt privateers for generations (with the salt trade officially monopolized by the state ever since the Anshi Rebellion), and the Huang family became wealthy from the smuggling. It was said that Huang was capable in swordsmanship, riding, and archery, and was somewhat capable in writing and a good debater. He used his wealth to take in desperate men to serve under him. He had at least one older brother, Huang Cun (黃存), and at least six younger brothers, Huang Ye (黃鄴) or Huang Siye (黃思鄴), Huang Kui (黃揆), Huang Qin (黃欽), Huang Bing (黃秉), Huang Wantong (黃萬通), and Huang Sihou (黃思厚). He repeatedly submitted himself for the imperial examinations, but was not able to pass them, and thereafter resolved to rebel against Tang rule.