abstract
| - The Li dynasty (Han: 「王朝」⼟「李」; 化へゟ加⼟李, tr. Hwangja no Li) was a Han dynasty that existed from the end of the Warring States period to the now deemed illegal Han–Sierran Protectorate Treaty–which would subjugate Hani as a de jure Sierran protectorate. The establishing monarch, Li Young the dynasty into a strongly centralized meritocratic bureaucracy. Li Young also heightened the role of Chuugwourin nobles (as he himself as of this group), while entrenching Confucianism as the official state religion, favouring it over the traditionally dominant Theravada sect. His successor, Li Rin, led to the classical height of the dynasty–capitalizing on the Canton system (as Tondo did with the Hai jin policy) to dominate local trading routes and grow very wealthy. Through her strongly executed assimilation policies, the idea of a Han identity was cemented. However, the second half of the dynasty was marked with severe political strife. Following the third monarch Li Chang, the succeeding line of monarchs were less competent. Highly prized opium began arriving in large numbers, diminishing the trading surplus it held with European merchants and causing a sudden outflow of silver. The result of the Opium Wars forced the dynasty to rely on isolationism to preserve its independence. Eventually, the laws restricting the power of nobility were repealed. Feudalism returned as the nobles once again mustered private armies, fighting over the favour of the royal family, resulting in the disastrous Li Han Rebellion. This, and with the social strata becoming upset, led to Hani being unable to fight against Western encroachment–being subject to multiple unequal treaties. The last years saw attempted modernization, aided by Sierra–which had imperialist ambitions in the Pacific. It experienced substantial reforms, and gained the entirety of Shonanmin after the Treaty of Paris. However, the imperial court was divided into two sides; the conservative and the reformist faction, which over time began to radicalize. The former faction led by Empress Consort Mei Ling initiated the Han–Sierran War, seeking to pursue the strategy of tiring out the opposition. However, ironically, it was the opposite, allowing the Sierrans to seize a crushing victory. It was annexed and incorporated into Sierra, paving the way to the Han colonial period. The dynasty has left a major impact on Han society and culture; influencing modern etiquette, language, cultural norms, societal attitudes, superstitions and mythology. Han evolved significantly during this dynasty.
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