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Historical problems connected with Wang Mang

Because this chapter is not accompanied by memoirs that elaborate
the dry facts given in its chronological outline, as was the case with the
"Imperial Annals," but is itself a historical unit, it is not necessary in
this introduction to present matters omitted from this chapter, as was
done previously. The only important matters not presented fully in this
chapter are the economic measures adopted by Wang Mang, and they
are discussed fully in the appendices.

The important problems concerning Wang Mang up to the time of
Emperor P'ing's death have been discussed in the introduction to that
Emperor's "Annals." It remains here to discuss two further matters:

Why was there so little opposition to Wang Mang's seizure of the throne?
and, What were the reasons for his fall?