唐朝是中国历史上最辉煌的朝代之一，从公元六一八年建立到九零七年灭亡，历时近三百年。唐朝的灭亡并非一朝一夕，而是多种因素长期积累的结果。主要包括安史之乱的沉重打击、藩镇割据的形成、宦官专权与朋党之争、农民起义的爆发、财政危机以及统治集团的腐朽。
An Shi Rebellion was the important turning point when Tang Dynasty changed from prosperity to decline. In 755 AD, An Lushan started the rebellion in Fanyang, and then Shi Siming joined. The rebellion lasted for eight years. This rebellion swept through most of the northern regions, directly threatening the two capitals Chang'an and Luoyang. The rebellion caused extremely serious consequences: population dropped sharply from fifty million to seventeen million, agricultural production was severely damaged, central government authority was greatly weakened, and it directly led to the later regional warlord situation.
An Shi Rebellion led to the formation of regional warlord separatism. Local military governors expanded their power and formed independent kingdoms that did not obey central commands. They fought against each other, causing national division. At the same time, eunuch power grew stronger, they could even control the emperor's succession and interfere with government decisions. Court officials also formed intense factional struggles, such as the Niu-Li factional conflict. Political corruption became serious, which weakened the foundation of Tang rule.
Due to serious land annexation, heavy taxation, official corruption, and frequent natural disasters, people's lives became extremely difficult, which eventually led to large-scale peasant uprisings. The most famous was the Huang Chao Rebellion from 875 to 884 AD, which swept across the entire country and even captured the capital Chang'an, completely destroying Tang's ruling order and economic foundation. Continuous wars, regional warlord independence, reduced tax sources due to land annexation, and corruption caused the Tang central government to face serious financial difficulties, making it unable to maintain effective rule and suppress rebellions.
Tang Dynasty's collapse provides important historical lessons. The An-Shi Rebellion became the key turning point from prosperity to decline. Regional warlord separatism and political corruption weakened central authority. Peasant uprisings reflected serious social contradictions. Financial crisis made the government lose effective ruling capability. The corruption of the ruling group ultimately led to the dynasty's downfall. These factors interacted with each other, eventually causing the end of this once glorious dynasty.