The purpose of these introductions
The reign of Emperor Wu is perhaps one of the most important periods
in Former Han times. It was an age when fundamental changes in the
Chinese state occurred and when precedents were set which influenced
profoundly the remainder of Chinese history. This chapter is however
not what we should call a history of that reign, and it is not in place to
insert such a history in this translation of source-materials. In order
that the reader may comprehend the events mentioned in this chapter,
however, it is necessary that he should first be given something of the
background to this reign and an account of the important events omitted
from this chapter. In this introduction, after first discussing the sources
of the chapter, especially the corresponding chapter in the SC, I shall
accordingly discuss: the subversion of the state constitution by Emperor
Wu, (who made the emperor an autocratic ruler, with important
consequences for the nature of Chinese government), the severity of
Emperor Wu's government, Li Ling's famous expedition, ancient condemnations
and approvals of Emperor Wu, the influence of his women
and their relatives, his superstitious practises (particularly the incident
of Luan Ta), the development of the examination system, and the progressive
victory of Confucianism (especially the founding of the Imperial
University).
