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Shu Han Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Shu Han: A Three Kingdoms State

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Shu Han: A Three Kingdoms State Study Guide

Founding and Legitimacy

The state of Shu Han was founded by Cao Cao.

Answer: False

Explanation: The state of Shu Han was founded by Liu Bei, not Cao Cao, who was the founder of the rival state of Cao Wei.

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Liu Bei's designation of his state as "Han" served to assert its legitimacy as the direct successor to the preceding Han dynasty.

Answer: True

Explanation: By naming his state "Han," Liu Bei sought to establish his claim as the legitimate successor to the Han dynasty, thereby bolstering his political legitimacy.

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The period of Shu Han's existence as a state spanned from 221 CE to 263 CE.

Answer: True

Explanation: Shu Han was officially established in 221 CE and fell to the state of Cao Wei in 263 CE.

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The appellation "Shu" was initially applied by the rival state of Cao Wei to delegitimize Shu Han's claims to orthodox succession.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term "Shu" was often used by Cao Wei and later adopted by historians to distinguish Liu Bei's state and implicitly question its claim to direct Han lineage.

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Shu Han was structured as a monarchy, not a republic with an elected leader.

Answer: True

Explanation: Shu Han was established as a dynastic monarchy, with hereditary succession determining the ruler, rather than through electoral processes.

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The Eastern Han dynasty directly preceded the existence of Shu Han, serving as the political context from which Shu emerged.

Answer: True

Explanation: Shu Han arose during the fragmentation of the Eastern Han dynasty, with Liu Bei seeking to restore Han authority in the chaotic aftermath of its collapse.

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Who was the founder of the state of Shu Han?

Answer: Liu Bei

Explanation: Liu Bei, a warlord claiming lineage from the Han imperial family, established the state of Shu Han.

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What was the primary reason Liu Bei named his state "Han"?

Answer: To claim legitimacy as the rightful successor to the Han dynasty.

Explanation: Liu Bei's adoption of the name "Han" was a strategic political move intended to assert his state's legitimacy as the continuation of the Han dynasty.

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Which of the following was NOT a name commonly used for Liu Bei's state during the Three Kingdoms period?

Answer: Han Wei

Explanation: "Han Wei" was not a designation for Liu Bei's state; the common names were Shu, Shu Han, and Ji Han (Junior Han).

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During which years did the state of Shu Han officially exist?

Answer: 221 CE - 263 CE

Explanation: Shu Han was formally established in 221 CE and ceased to exist as an independent state in 263 CE.

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Shu Han was one of the three major states during which historical period?

Answer: The Three Kingdoms period

Explanation: Shu Han, along with Cao Wei and Eastern Wu, constituted the primary political entities during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 CE).

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How did the rival state of Cao Wei initially utilize the name "Shu" in relation to Liu Bei's state?

Answer: To delegitimize its claims to orthodox succession.

Explanation: The prefix "Shu" was often employed by Cao Wei and later historians to diminish Shu Han's claim as the true successor to the Han dynasty.

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What form of government did Shu Han officially adopt?

Answer: Monarchy

Explanation: Shu Han was established as a monarchy, with Liu Bei and subsequently Liu Shan ruling as emperors.

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Leadership and Succession

Liu Bei formally proclaimed himself Emperor of Han in the year 221 CE.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following his consolidation of power in the region, Liu Bei declared himself Emperor in 221 CE, establishing the state of Shu Han.

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Liu Bei's son, Liu Shan, ascended the throne at a young age, not as a mature ruler in his late thirties.

Answer: True

Explanation: Liu Shan was only sixteen years old when he succeeded his father, Liu Bei, as the ruler of Shu Han.

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Zhuge Liang functioned as regent and effectively administered the state of Shu Han for the majority of Liu Shan's reign.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following Liu Bei's death, Zhuge Liang assumed the role of regent, managing state affairs and guiding policy throughout much of Liu Shan's early reign.

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Liu Bei was the sole official emperor of Shu Han; his son Liu Shan never officially held the imperial title.

Answer: False

Explanation: Liu Bei reigned as Emperor Zhaolie, and his son Liu Shan succeeded him and reigned as Emperor of Shu Han until its fall.

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The era name "Zhangwu" was utilized during Liu Shan's reign as Emperor of Shu Han.

Answer: False

Explanation: The era name "Zhangwu" was used during Liu Bei's reign (221-223 CE), while Liu Shan's reign employed era names such as Jianxing, Yanxi, and Jingyao.

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Liu Shan's reign as Emperor of Shu Han utilized the era names Jianxing, Yanxi, and Jingyao.

Answer: True

Explanation: The imperial reign of Liu Shan was marked by several era names, including Jianxing (223-237 CE), Yanxi (238-257 CE), and Jingyao (258-263 CE).

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Liu Bei is not typically referred to as the "Later Lord" in historical texts; that designation is associated with Liu Shan.

Answer: True

Explanation: Liu Bei is sometimes referred to as the "Late Emperor," while Liu Shan is often designated as the "Later Lord" in historical records.

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Who was Liu Bei's principal advisor, credited with formulating the strategic "Longzhong Plan"?

Answer: Zhuge Liang

Explanation: Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei's brilliant strategist, devised the Longzhong Plan, which outlined the political and military strategy for establishing Shu Han.

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Who succeeded Liu Bei as the ruler of Shu Han?

Answer: Liu Shan

Explanation: Liu Shan, Liu Bei's son, inherited the throne of Shu Han following his father's death.

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At what age did Liu Shan become the ruler of Shu Han?

Answer: 16 years old

Explanation: Liu Shan ascended to the throne at the young age of sixteen, necessitating a regency for effective governance.

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What was Zhuge Liang's primary role during Liu Shan's reign?

Answer: Regent and de facto head of government.

Explanation: Appointed as regent, Zhuge Liang effectively governed Shu Han, overseeing both domestic policy and military strategy for much of Liu Shan's rule.

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Who assumed leadership of Shu's military campaigns against Wei following Zhuge Liang's demise?

Answer: Jiang Wei

Explanation: After Zhuge Liang's death, Jiang Wei eventually took command of Shu's military efforts, continuing the Northern Expeditions against Cao Wei.

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What was the imperial title Liu Bei assumed upon proclaiming himself Emperor?

Answer: Emperor of Han

Explanation: Liu Bei proclaimed himself "Emperor of Han" in 221 CE, asserting his claim as the legitimate successor to the Han dynasty.

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Which era name was employed during Liu Bei's reign as Emperor of Shu Han?

Answer: Zhangwu

Explanation: The era name "Zhangwu" was used during Liu Bei's reign as Emperor, from 221 to 223 CE.

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Territory and Governance

The core territorial base of Shu Han was situated in the Sichuan basin, not primarily in the modern-day Shandong province.

Answer: True

Explanation: Shu Han's core territory was located in the fertile Sichuan basin, historically known as Shu, which is distinct from Shandong province.

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Shu Han undertook significant irrigation and road-building projects during peacetime to improve infrastructure and the economy.

Answer: True

Explanation: During periods of relative peace, Shu Han invested in public works such as irrigation systems and road construction, which were vital for its agrarian economy and internal connectivity.

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The Zipingpu Dam, constructed during the Shu Han period, remains operational in contemporary times.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Zipingpu Dam, an example of Shu Han's engineering capabilities, is noted for its longevity and continued use today.

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Shu Han's administrative divisions were not structured into provinces comparable to modern systems; rather, they were organized into commanderies and counties.

Answer: True

Explanation: While the concept of provinces existed in Chinese history, Shu Han's internal administration was primarily based on commanderies and counties within its core territory.

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Shu Han successfully conquered the strategically significant Wudu and Yinping commanderies from the state of Cao Wei.

Answer: True

Explanation: Shu Han managed to capture key commanderies such as Wudu and Yinping from Cao Wei, which were vital for controlling access routes and resources.

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The Nanzhong region, under Shu Han's control, encompassed commanderies including Yuexi, Zangke, and Yunnan.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Nanzhong region, a significant area south of the Sichuan basin, included commanderies such as Yuexi, Zangke, and Yunnan, which were subject to Shu Han's administration and campaigns.

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Population data indicates Shu Han had approximately 900,000 inhabitants in 221 CE.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical records suggest Shu Han's population was around 900,000 at its establishment in 221 CE, growing to over 1 million by its fall.

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What geographical region historically formed the core territory of Shu Han?

Answer: Shu

Explanation: The core territory of Shu Han was historically known as "Shu," a region corresponding largely to the modern Sichuan basin.

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Which modern provinces/regions constituted the core territory of Shu Han?

Answer: Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou, and northern Guangxi

Explanation: The primary territory of Shu Han encompassed modern-day Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou, and parts of northern Guangxi.

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Which province did Liu Bei conquer from Liu Zhang to establish his territorial base?

Answer: Yi Province

Explanation: Liu Bei acquired the core territory of Shu Han by conquering Yi Province from Liu Zhang between 212 and 214 CE.

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Which of the following represented a significant economic and infrastructural activity undertaken by Shu Han during periods of peace?

Answer: Building irrigation systems and roads.

Explanation: Shu Han invested in crucial infrastructure projects, including irrigation systems and road networks, to enhance agricultural productivity and facilitate trade.

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The commanderies of Shushi, Yuexi, and Yunnan were integral components of which region administered by Shu Han?

Answer: Nanzhong

Explanation: These commanderies were part of the Nanzhong region, located south of the Sichuan basin, which Shu Han controlled and administered.

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Which of the following commanderies was successfully conquered by Shu Han from the state of Cao Wei?

Answer: Wudu

Explanation: Shu Han managed to capture strategic commanderies such as Wudu and Yinping from Cao Wei during periods of conflict.

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Military Engagements and Diplomacy

Liu Bei did not recapture Jing Province from Sun Quan in 219 CE; rather, Sun Quan's forces invaded and seized it.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 219 CE, Sun Quan's general Lü Meng launched an invasion of Jing Province, leading to the capture of Guan Yu and the loss of the territory for Liu Bei's forces.

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The Battle of Xiaoting resulted in a significant defeat for Liu Bei against Sun Quan's forces.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Battle of Xiaoting in 222 CE was a catastrophic defeat for Liu Bei's navy and army, orchestrated by Sun Quan's general Lu Xun, significantly weakening Shu Han.

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Zhuge Liang advocated for maintaining the alliance with Eastern Wu, rather than breaking it to focus solely on attacking Cao Wei.

Answer: True

Explanation: Zhuge Liang recognized the strategic necessity of the alliance with Eastern Wu to counter the superior strength of Cao Wei, prioritizing peace with Wu.

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Zhuge Liang's Southern Campaign in 225 CE aimed to secure Shu's southern borders and quell local rebellions, not to conquer territory from Cao Wei.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Southern Campaign was undertaken to pacify the Nanzhong region and consolidate Shu Han's control over its southern territories, not as an offensive against Cao Wei.

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The Northern Expeditions were a series of offensive campaigns launched by Shu Han against Cao Wei.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Northern Expeditions, led primarily by Zhuge Liang and later Jiang Wei, were offensive military operations aimed at weakening or conquering Cao Wei.

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In 244 CE, Shu Han forces repelled a Cao Wei invasion at the Battle of Xingshi.

Answer: True

Explanation: Despite being outnumbered, Shu Han forces achieved a victory at the Battle of Xingshi in 244 CE, successfully defending against an invasion led by Cao Wei's regent Cao Shuang.

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What event precipitated the breakdown of the alliance between Liu Bei and Sun Quan in 219 CE?

Answer: Sun Quan's invasion of Jing Province and capture of Guan Yu.

Explanation: The alliance fractured when Sun Quan's forces invaded Jing Province and captured/executed Guan Yu, who was defending Liu Bei's interests there.

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Who was the Shu general responsible for defending Liu Bei's interests in Jing Province when the alliance with Sun Quan collapsed?

Answer: Guan Yu

Explanation: Guan Yu was the prominent Shu general tasked with overseeing the defense of Jing Province, and his defeat and capture marked the end of the alliance.

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What was the outcome of the Battle of Xiaoting (222 CE) for Liu Bei?

Answer: A major defeat against Sun Quan's forces, leading to his retreat.

Explanation: The Battle of Xiaoting resulted in a severe defeat for Liu Bei's forces, compelling him to retreat and significantly weakening his state.

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Zhuge Liang's strategy regarding Eastern Wu was to:

Answer: Seek a permanent alliance and maintain peace.

Explanation: Zhuge Liang prioritized maintaining a stable alliance with Eastern Wu to ensure Shu Han's security against the more powerful state of Cao Wei.

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What was the principal objective of Zhuge Liang's Southern Campaign in 225 CE?

Answer: To secure Shu's southern borders and quell local rebellions.

Explanation: The Southern Campaign was primarily aimed at pacifying the Nanzhong region, consolidating Shu Han's control, and securing its southern flank.

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What was the outcome of the Battle of Xingshi in 244 CE?

Answer: Shu Han forces repelled a Wei invasion despite being outnumbered.

Explanation: At the Battle of Xingshi, Shu Han forces successfully defended against a numerically superior Cao Wei invasion, securing their territory.

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The Decline and Fall

Shu Han was the largest and most powerful of the three major states during the Three Kingdoms period.

Answer: False

Explanation: Shu Han was generally considered the weakest of the Three Kingdoms in terms of population, territory, and resources compared to Cao Wei and Eastern Wu.

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The final conquest of Shu Han in 263 CE was executed by the Wei generals Deng Ai and Zhong Hui.

Answer: True

Explanation: The state of Shu Han was conquered by the forces of Cao Wei, led by the generals Deng Ai and Zhong Hui, in 263 CE.

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Shu Han's fall was not primarily due to external economic pressures or trade deficits, but rather internal exhaustion and external military might.

Answer: True

Explanation: The collapse of Shu Han was attributed more to prolonged military campaigns weakening its resources and the superior military power of Cao Wei, rather than economic issues.

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After Shu's fall, Liu Shan surrendered and was not executed for treason by the Jin dynasty.

Answer: True

Explanation: Upon surrendering, Liu Shan was taken to the Wei capital and later granted the title Duke of Anle by the Jin dynasty, indicating he was not executed for treason.

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Following his surrender, Liu Shan was posthumously granted the title "Duke Si of Anle" by the Jin dynasty.

Answer: True

Explanation: After Liu Shan surrendered, he was taken to the Jin capital and eventually granted the title Duke of Anle, signifying his status after the fall of Shu.

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Which Wei generals spearheaded the invasion that culminated in the fall of Shu Han in 263 CE?

Answer: Deng Ai and Zhong Hui

Explanation: The final conquest of Shu Han was executed by the Wei generals Deng Ai and Zhong Hui, leading to its annexation by Cao Wei.

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What was a primary factor contributing to Shu Han's vulnerability preceding its eventual fall?

Answer: Exhaustion from continuous military campaigns.

Explanation: Repeated and costly military campaigns, particularly the Northern Expeditions, significantly depleted Shu Han's resources and manpower, rendering it vulnerable to external threats.

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What title was conferred upon Liu Shan after his surrender and relocation to the Wei capital?

Answer: Duke of Anle

Explanation: Following his surrender, Liu Shan was granted the title "Duke of Anle" by the Jin dynasty, indicating his diminished status.

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Liu Shan was posthumously honored as "Emperor Xiaohuai" by which ruler or dynasty?

Answer: Liu Yuan of Han-Zhao

Explanation: Liu Yuan, founder of the Han-Zhao state, posthumously honored Liu Shan with the title "Emperor Xiaohuai."

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Cultural and Societal Aspects

The primary languages spoken in Shu Han were not Mandarin and Cantonese, but rather dialects of Old Chinese and regional languages.

Answer: True

Explanation: The linguistic landscape of Shu Han comprised Old Chinese dialects and regional languages indigenous to the area, distinct from modern Mandarin and Cantonese.

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Taoism and Confucianism were among the principal philosophical and religious traditions practiced within Shu Han.

Answer: True

Explanation: The cultural milieu of Shu Han incorporated Taoist and Confucian principles, alongside indigenous folk beliefs, reflecting the broader religious landscape of Han China.

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Shu Han utilized ancient Chinese coinage, such as Chinese cash, rather than modern paper currency for its transactions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The economic system of Shu Han relied on traditional forms of currency, primarily metal coinage, as modern paper currency had not yet been widely adopted.

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The image of a pottery musician does not signify the military prowess of the Shu Han state but rather reflects its cultural aspects.

Answer: True

Explanation: Artifacts such as pottery musicians are indicative of the artistic and cultural achievements of the Shu Han period, rather than its military capabilities.

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The illustration depicting a battle between Wei and Shu near the Wei River originates from which historical dynasty?

Answer: Qing Dynasty

Explanation: The illustration referenced, depicting a battle between Wei and Shu, was created during the Qing Dynasty.

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What type of artifact does the image titled 'Pottery musician, Shu, Three Kingdoms' represent?

Answer: A piece of pottery

Explanation: The artifact identified as a 'Pottery musician' is classified as a piece of pottery, reflecting the artistic output of the Shu state during the Three Kingdoms period.

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Which of the following was NOT listed as a common language spoken in Shu Han?

Answer: Mandarin Chinese

Explanation: While Old Chinese dialects and regional languages like Ba-Shu Chinese were spoken, modern Mandarin Chinese was not prevalent during the Shu Han period.

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What currency system was utilized by Shu Han?

Answer: Ancient Chinese coinage like Chinese cash

Explanation: Shu Han employed traditional Chinese coinage, such as "Chinese cash," as its primary medium of exchange.

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