Killed both his younger and his older
brother. This secured him as emperor of
China
Father
Tang Taizong, also known as Li Shimin was the second son of
the Gaozu emperor. Li Shimin's father was a leader in the up
rising against the Sui Dynasty.
Government Reformer
Confucianism
He bases his government reform off of Confusion
values. His Confusion mentor was Wei Zheng.
Examinations
Li Shimin used the examination process used in the Sui
Dynasty to choose government officials. They were chosen
because of their skills and abilities, and not chosen because
of their social status.
Religion
Buddhism
He promoted Buddism. Tailing built temples around
China. By doing this he helps spread Buddhism through
the empire.
Chrisianity
During his reign, he promoted Nestorian Christianity in
China. He protected the Nestorian Christian Church
under his rule and it became a minor religion in China.
Military
Expansion
When his father was emperor, there were only 5,000
horses. After his reign there were 700,000. Many of these
horses were uses as tribute payment. Northern tribes
would sometimes pay tribute with horses.
He used armies to seek out and conquer new territory.
They tried to take Korea but failed. Li Shimin would often
pit tribes against one another to wipe each other out.
During the up rising aginst the Sui, Li
Shimin was a brilliant general.