Emperor Gaozu of Han: Encyclopedia II - Emperor Gaozu of Han - Chu-Han Contention

Emperor Gaozu of Han - Chu-Han Contention

Now considering the whole former Qin Empire under his domination, Xiang Yu realligned the territories of not only the remaining parts of Qin but also the rebel states, dividing the territories into 19 principalities. Xiang Yu did not honor the promise by Xin, Prince Huai of Chu, who would soon himself be assassinated by Xiang's orders. Instead, he gave Guanzhong to the princes of three Qins. Liu Bang was only awarded the Principality of Han (modern Sichuan, Chongqing, and southern Shaanxi).

In Hanzhong, Liu Bang focused his efforts on developing agriculture methods and training an army, through which he reinforced his resource accumulation and military power. Before long, Liu Bang broke out of his principality, deposed the kings of three Qins and occupied Guanzhong, where he launched a war now known as the Chu-Han War, against Xiang Yu.

Although Xiang Yu was far superior in military to Liu Bang, he was short of political maneuover. Xiang Yu kept defeating Liu Bang in the battlefield, but each of his victories only made more people stand by the side of Liu Bang. When Xiang Yu finally was defeated, he could not recover and committed suicide.

The war lasted five years (206–202 BC) and ended with Liu Bang's victory. Having defeated Xiang Yu, Liu Bang proclaimed himself emperor and established the Han Dynasty in 202 BC and made Chang'an (present city of Xi'an) his capital city. Liu Bang became historically known as Emperor Gao of Han.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Chu-Han Contention", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki