Opinion/ Editorial

Liu Bang for Emperor

Erin McElhinney, Staff Writer

           I believe that Liu Bang should become the first emperor of the Han dynasty. He proved to be a strong leader when he created the Han dynasty, so therefore he deserves to rule the dynasty. Liu Bang rebelled againist the Qin dynasty when he held the banner of rebellion. He eventually defeated the Qin dynasty in the Chu- Han War with the help of his ally Xiang Yu."In 206 BC, he rebelled against the rule of the Qin Dynasty and together with Xiang Yu, led the uprising army against the Qin. In October of 206 BC, he and his army attacked Xianyang, the capital city of the Qin and overthrew the Qin Dynasty" (Lui Bang - Emperor Gaozu of Western Han). After the Qin dynasty was defeated, his own ally, Xiang Yu, turned against Liu Bang. Liu Bang also became victorious over Xiang Yu. Liu Bang deserves to become the emperor of the Han dynasty because he was the one who created it. In order to defeat the Qin dynasty and Xiang Yu, he had to be strong and smart, which are important traits an emperor needs to be able to rule and govern a dynasty.

          Liu Bang also expanded the growth of the Han dynasty's culture and people. This was possible for Liu Bang because of his great leadership skills. "As an outstanding politician, strategist and director, he made great contributions to the development of Han people and its culture"(Lui Bang - Emperor Gaozu of Western Han). Liu Bang knows how to rule, and he does it well. He is talented in what he does, and he should rule the Han dynasty because of that. He is the person that the citizens can turn to when they are in trouble and he will be able to solve the problem. Liu Bang is the best canidate for the job of being the first emperor of the Han dynasty.

"Liu Bang-Emperor Gaozu of Western Han."Travel China Guide. 2013.25 April 2013. <http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/han/liubang.htm>