The Western Han ruled from 202-135BC, a period of consolidation of empire and appeasement of outside powers. From 135-90BC, foreign policy changed and expansion was sought. After this period, weakness reigned and the court was overcome with intrigue and political egoism.
From AD9-23, the Xin Dynasty attempted to restore some of the Zhou principles: social and political discipline, and imperial pride among them. The peasants rebelled and, under the banner of the [G 19 / Red Eyebrows], a period of turmoil began that led to the re-establishment of the Han two years later.
The Eastern Han Dynasty chose to adopt Western Han practises but with minor amendments. Various disturbances, such as the struggles at court over political influence and the rebellion of AD184, tore at the social structure. Central control came apart as regional landowners acted independently. This eventually led to the establishment of three kingdoms in China in AD220. At the same time, Confucian principles were questioned for their ability to hold the empire together. The collapse of the Han Dynasty was followed by 400 years of strife and unrest.
