Dynastic Cycle - The Cycle

The Cycle

The dynastic cycle appears as follows:

1. A new ruler unites China, founds a new dynasty, and gains the Mandate of Heaven.
2. China, under the new dynasty, achieves prosperity.
3. The population increases.
4. Corruption becomes rampant in the imperial court, and the empire begins to enter decline and instability.
5. A natural disaster wipes out farm land. The disaster normally would not have been a problem; however, together with the corruption and overpopulation, it causes famine.
6. The famine causes the population to rebel and a civil war ensues.
7. The ruler loses the Mandate of Heaven.
8. The population decreases because of the violence.
9. China goes through a warring states period.
10. One state emerges victorious.
11. The state starts a new empire.
12. The empire gains the Mandate of Heaven.

(The cycle repeats itself.)

The Mandate of Heaven was the idea that the Emperor was favored by Heaven to rule over China. The Mandate of Heaven was created by the Chinese philosopher Mencius, during the Period of Warring States.

It has 3 main periods:

1. The first is the beginning of the dynasty.
2. The second is at the middle of the dynasty's life and is the peak of the dynasty.
3. The last period is the decline of the dynasty, both politically and economically, until it finally collapses.