Review of “Time, Space and Structure in the Consolidation of T’ang Dynasty”

In the article “Time, Space and Structure in the Consolidation of T’ang Dynasty”, Robert Somers claims that to examine Tang’s imperial order, one should understand its consolidation in “processual” and “systemic” terms (971). Robert’s argument is presented through three main sections, namely time, space, and structure; together, they show the clear paths and reasons for Tang Dynasty’s success in longevity governance over Chinese territory. In this paper, I will discuss the methods used by Tang’s emperors in those three aspects and their influence on the consolidation of the imperial regime.

Follow the sequence of events that took place, it is clear that Tang emperors constantly adjust governing methods and gradually established its imperial order. Coming into power by overthrow the Sui Dynasty, the first Tang emperor, Li Yuan knew how dangerous a rebellion military general could be under previous system. Therefore, the first step to strengthen his power was to crush the potential military rivals. He dissolved and reorganized the armies into discrete forces, then settled them separately to guard the country. Undertaking this idea, T’ai-Tsung went one step further to establish a new “Feng-chien” system. Through this system, he appointed mostly imperial princes and funding officials of Tang Dynasty to hold positions in thirty-five regional centers. His intention was to having them and their descendants “support my own heirs” and thus “perpetuate [our dynasty] forever (977).” Examine of Time segment of Tang dynasty gives us a quick view of the consolidation moves taken by the first two emperors. We can see the pacification method being used by the emperors in the process of centralizing power to their own from previous hegemons. However, as I said before, Tang Dynasty had a long period of governance in Chinese history, only two emperors’ approaches in consolidation is obviously not enough for us to fully understand Tang’s process of achieving long lasting effects. A...