The Yellow Turban Army Led By Zhang Jiao

By Freda Watts


China has had quite a turbulent history. This was particularly evident in even the early days of AD. Zhang Jiao was a leader of this time, because he visualized, anticipated and initialized the Yellow Turban Rebellion. This event in history is quite famous. Zhang Jiao, or 'Jue', was the 'Great Teacher' of the people, or so he believed.

This man who stood out in history had two younger brothers. They assisted him in his quest for righteousness, and had their specific parts in the rebellion. Zhang Boe was referred to as the 'General of Land', and the second brother, who was named as Zhang Liang, was the 'General of People'. Jiao, however, was the leader, and the 'General of Heaven'. He made all the important decisions.

This act of great rebellion occurred in 184 AD. It is has also been known as 'The Way of Peace'. China was under the influence of Emperor Ling, and it was the time of the Han Dynasty. The head wrappings which were adorned by the rebels were the reason for the name of the army because of their color. All the rebels of the Yellow Turban Army used these head dresses.

The two brothers of Jiao were younger, and their main practice was to help sick people who were in desperate need of healing. These people could often not pay money for the services offered, but were helped nonetheless. The two brothers were dismayed by the circumstances under which the peasants were forced to live, and did all they could to help them.

Zhang Jue was a man who firmly believed in his faith, and he used his faith to heal others as well. His 'patients' were to confess their sins in order for them to be healed. The brothers, but especially Zhang Jiao, knew that the way in which the country was ruled was soon to improve, and he prepared those around him for the change. He hoped that he could better the future of the peasants who were struggling so desperately.

At this time in China the peasants were exploited by wealthy landowners. The rich people did not pay their workers well, and treated them badly. They only wanted them in order to bring more wealth to themselves. The high taxes were a major problem in the peasants' lives as well, and the number of floods that wrecked the area did not help improve the situation. The government at this time was also under collapse, which put further pressure on the peasants.

The plan was that an extremely large number of people would fight the government, and cause destruction. Zhang Jiao was the leader of this movement, and he called for action. It happened sooner than he planned, but the people obeyed. Thousands fought along with their leader. Many lost their lives, but the lives lost were not in vain.

Although the Yellow Turban Rebellion was not exactly victorious, they did cause damage. Their actions also led to the end of the Han Dynasty, before it was expected, in 220 AD. This rebellion also caused a surge of similar activities for various reasons. It was considered as the model to follow.




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