The dynastic cycle appears as follows:
A new ruler unites China, founds a new dynasty, and gains the Mandate of Heaven.
China, under the new dynasty, ahieves prosperity.
The population increases.
Corruption becomes rampant in the imperial court, and the empire begins to enter decline and instability. A natural disaster wipes out farm land. The disaster normally would not have been a problem; however, together with the corruption and overpopulation, it causes famine.
The famine causes the population to rebel and a civil war ensues.
The ruler loses the Mandate of Heaven.
The population decreases because of the violence.
China goes through a warring sates period.
One state emerges victorious.
The state starts a new empire.
The empire gains the Mandate of Heaven.
A new ruler unites China, founds a new dynasty, and gains the Mandate of Heaven.
China, under the new dynasty, ahieves prosperity.
The population increases.
Corruption becomes rampant in the imperial court, and the empire begins to enter decline and instability. A natural disaster wipes out farm land. The disaster normally would not have been a problem; however, together with the corruption and overpopulation, it causes famine.
The famine causes the population to rebel and a civil war ensues.
The ruler loses the Mandate of Heaven.
The population decreases because of the violence.
China goes through a warring sates period.
One state emerges victorious.
The state starts a new empire.
The empire gains the Mandate of Heaven.