Wang Anshi Analysis

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Wang Anshi (December 8, 1021- May 21, 1086) is well known as one of the greatest literati, best known as a political reformer who was entirely focused on maintaining the stability of the Sony Dynasty(960-1279) and believed in that the lower class would benefit from his “New Policies”. However, Wang’s reforms constituted the core concepts and led the Conservative faction against it. Due to the hindrance of the Conservation force, the “New Policies” was ended in nothing and Wang Anshi stepped down. Wang Anshi was dismissed in 1076 and was recalled four years later; but he was forced out again and his son was dead in the same year. Wang Anshi backed his hometown and never took the chancellorship again.

Historical Background

Starting in 960 and ending in 1279, the Song China consisted the Northern Song and the Southern Song. This period was considered as another period of “Golden Age” after the glorious Tang Dynasty (618-907). However, in the late Northern Song, the political corruption was serious and the regime began to decline. Before the Emperor Shenzong, （For more information please check 宋神宗）the country suffered poverty as well as weakness.

After working as a local government official for nearly 20 years, Wang concluded that the unlimited annexation of land weakened the economy. In 1058 Wang Anshi traveled to the capital, Kaifeng, from his home province of Jiangxi to present what would be his most famous memorial to the Emperor Renzong (1023-1064)(For more information please check 宋仁宗 ). Wang’s “Ten Thousand Word Memorial” outlines his general political philosophy while giving a brief preview of the...

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...ourth among his peer when he was 21.

The required curriculum covered dynastic histories, poetry and the Confucian classics.

All those memory based knowledge are not

Wang was trying to reform the examination system in “New Policies”.

So he got rid of some of the subjects. and adapted more practical subjects, like emphasis on law medicine and military science, so that enabled people with practical skills into the government.

Even Wang Anshi advocated political reform and put forward the policy of enriching the country, building up the military power, and increase the national revenue, the old liners werestilt strongly opposed to the reform, throwing obstacles in its way.

Resigned in 1074, returned to civil service in 1075.

Wang Anshi retired in 1076, depressed by demotion and the death of his son.

He spent the final years of his life writing poetry.