Friday, September 5, 2008

Emperor Shenzong of Western Xia

Shenzong was emperor of Western Xia from 1211 to 1223. He lived from 1163 to 1226.

Shenzong took power after a coup d'etat and continued Xiangzong's policy of invading Jin Empire. He started many campaigns against Jin before the Jin Emperor counterattacked, killing many Western Xia soldiers. However, Shenzong continued to attack Jin despite the poor economy, causing high discontent among his people complaining of high taxes. He did not listen to those who advised peace with Jin Empire, and Western Xia sped up its decline. He passed power onto his son Lǐ Déwàng in 1223, and died in 1226.

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