Civil War

Liu Bang wins the Civil War

Liu Bang goes from peasant to emperor and overthrows the Qin dynasty

     Liu Bang defeated Xiang Yu in a civil war to take over the Qin dynasty.  This war followed the collapse of the first Imperial dynasty in China.  The war took place in the Eastern regions of China, with major battles in Chu, Qi, and Yan.  The major conflict, known as the Chu-Han Contention lasted from 206 to 202 BC.  Following the battle at Gaixia in 202 BC, Liu Bang declared himself as Emperor.  Liu Bang was expecting to be rewarded for capturing the last member of the dynasty in 206 BC, by becoming the king of Qin, but instead he was named king of Han.  Eventually this system collapsed into a civil war.  The Qin mainland was divided into three kingdoms and ruled by three different leaders.  The system collapsed which led to the civil war.
   
    Liu Bang is one of only two peasants to ever become Emperor.  He began as a village headman who guarded prisoners on their way to work on the First Emperors tomb.  Since many of the prisoners escaped, he was afraid that he would be executed as punishment he decided to let all the prisoners go and became an outlaw.  He had a band of former prisoners that grew into a great army.  This army helped overthrow the Qin dynasty.  From his humble roots Liu Bang became a great and powerful leader.  His victory over Xiang Yu led to him becoming Emperor of the Qin dynasty.