Zhangtang Research

• Main Authors: Kun-cheng Chuang, 莊坤成
• Other Authors: LIU,WEN-CHIANG
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/95768803882139485739

博士 === 國立中山大學 === 中國文學系研究所 === 102 === Zhang Tang was an important jurist and statesman during the Western Han Dynasty. Although his life spanned across the dynasties of Wen, Jing and Wu, his main role was played during the reign of the Emperor Wu of Han. Zhang Tang started his career as a warden, as the Emperor Wu of Han was ambitious to break through the tradition, he exercised his talents in the era of reform, and climbed to the high position of State Censor. Zhang Tang played a decisive role during the process in which the Emperor Wu of Han desired to make achievement and intensify power of the emperor. Politically, he utterly eradicated obstacles to enhance central power, and made laws that safeguarded dignity and personal safety of the emperor. Socially, he severely combated despotic power that destroyed national stability so as to stabilize those who had been registered for household. Economically, he carried out the will of the Emperor Wu of Han, promoted series of economic regulation policies of the state, and resolved the economic crisis faced by the Emperor Wu of Han in order to suppress Xiongnu, an ancient nationality in China, thus becoming the strongest military backup at that time. Therefore, it could be said that his activity scope involved law, politics, economy and military affairs. His power and duty went far beyond those set for the prime minister. Many policies he developed imposed far-reaching impact on future generations. This paper examines and criticizes Zhang Tang from these angles, and reappraises this hotly disputable political figure.