What prevented the government from maintaining control at the end of the Tang Dynasty?

The end of the Tang Dynasty, which lasted from 618 to 907 AD, was marked by a series of events that collectively weakened the governmental structures and prevented the central authorities from maintaining control. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the factors that led to this loss of control:

1. Decentralization of Power: As the Tang Dynasty progressed, its central government gradually lost control over the provincial governors and military commanders (known as Jiedushi). These local leaders gained considerable autonomy, building their own power bases and even maintaining private armies.

2. Rebellions: The An Lushan Rebellion (755-763 AD) was a devastating conflict that caused a significant decline in the power and prestige of the Tang government. Despite recapturing the capital, the central court was left weakened, having to rely more on regional warlords for military support, which increased their influence and independence.

3. Economic Decline: Financial troubles stemmed from widespread corruption, unequal land distribution, and heavy tax burdens on the peasantry sparked discontent. The government's inability to maintain a stable economy further eroded its authority and led to increased banditry and uprisings.

4. Court Infighting and Political Struggles: Political intrigue and corruption plagued the court, weakening the central administration. The Niu-Li factional strife, notably, reflected the intense internal squabbles that contributed to the breakdown of effective governance.

5. Military Disasters: The Tang Dynasty faced military pressure from nomadic tribes on its borders, and its armies occasionally suffered significant defeats. Such disasters undermined the government's image as a strong, capable protector of the realm.

6. Natural Disasters and Famine: Natural calamities, such as droughts, floods, and famines, further strained the resources of the government, and their inability to effectively respond to these crises decreased the people's trust in the dynasty.

7. Loss of Mandate of Heaven: In Chinese philosophy, the Mandate of Heaven is the divine right to rule. The combination of the above factors alongside natural disasters and public unrest was seen as a sign that the Tang Dynasty had lost this mandate, which justified rebellion and the eventual overthrow of the dynasty.

These factors, both individually and collectively, led to the erosion of central control and eventually contributed to the fall of the Tang Dynasty, leading to a period of disunion known as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.