Wang Anshi
8 December 1021 – 21 May 1086
Wang Anshi (1021-1086) was a Song dynasty statesman, economist, and poet who served as chancellor under Emperor Shenzong and launched the sweeping New Policies reform program. His measures on state finance, agriculture, and the examination system provoked fierce opposition from conservatives such as Sima Guang and divided Song politics for decades.
Lived at the same time
Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Wang Anshi.
- Nizam al-Mulk (1018–1092) Overlapped 65 years →
- Ramanuja (1017–1137) Overlapped 65 years →
- William the Conqueror (1028–1087) Overlapped 58 years →
- Shen Kuo (1031–1095) Overlapped 55 years →
- Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109) Overlapped 53 years →
- Su Shi (1037–1101) Overlapped 49 years →
Life events
Wang Anshi was born into a family of scholar-officials in Linchuan, in present-day Jiangxi province.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgWang Anshi placed near the top of the jinshi examination, beginning a long career in provincial administration.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgIn a famous memorial to Emperor Renzong, Wang Anshi argued that the dynasty's institutions and personnel recruitment needed fundamental reform.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgEmperor Shenzong elevated Wang Anshi to the top ranks of government, where he began enacting the New Policies (xinfa) reform program.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgAs chancellor, Wang Anshi expanded reforms including the Green Sprouts farm loans, service exemption tax, and baojia collective security system.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgMounting conservative opposition and a severe drought led to Wang Anshi's first removal from the chancellorship.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgWang Anshi was recalled to the chancellorship but found his political position weakened and his reform coalition fracturing.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgAfter his final resignation, Wang Anshi withdrew to Jiangning (modern Nanjing), devoting himself to scholarship and poetry.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgWang Anshi died in Jiangning shortly after the anti-reform regency of Empress Dowager Gao began rescinding the New Policies.
Source: en.wikipedia.org