Question 1

What exactly was the Mandate of Heaven?

Accepted Answer

The Mandate of Heaven was the belief that the Chinese emperor had a divine right to rule given him by the god or divine force known as Heaven or Sky. The emperor had absolute power but also a responsibility to rule for the good of his people.

Question 2

Was the Mandate of Heaven the only authority by which an emperor ruled?

Accepted Answer

From the 3rd century, Chinese emperors not only claimed authority to rule because of the Mandate of Heaven. They also believed they had a right to rule because of their military successes and fate. This helped justify one dynasty replacing another one.

Question 3

Could an emperor lose the Mandate of Heaven?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a Chinese emperor could lose the Mandate of Heaven  - their divine authority to rule - if their reign was immoral and they ruled badly and against the good of the people. This was an argument used to justify changes in dynasties.

Question 4

When did the Mandate of Heaven end?

Accepted Answer

The use of the Mandate of Heaven as a means to justify the rule of a Chinese emperor ended in the 19th century.

Mandate of Heaven

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