biography
| name: |
Wang Anshi
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| |
also spelled Wang An-shih
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| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1021–86)
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| biography:
| Chinese reformer, the chief councillor to Song Emperor Shenzong (ruled 1068–85), born in Kiangsi Province, China. He travelled widely in China, and later initiated major economic reforms in the interest of small farmers and merchants, including reduced interest, commutation of labour services, and reduced prices and land taxes. He also set up state financial planning, reduced the professional army, built up a (cavalry) militia, and carried out a wide range of educational reforms. Opposed by the big landowners, historians, litterateurs and philosophers, his reforms were rescinded after Shenzong died. |
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