Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

The Characteristics and Evaluations of Wang Mang's Reforms

Karen Ka Ning WangCushing Academy*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Reform is a crucial response for states when facing challenges. Chinese history records many rounds of reforms. Particular scholarly attention should be given to the reforms of Wang Mang. This paper focuses on the characteristics and evaluations of it. In an effort to alleviate the serious social problems that had long persisted during the Western Han Dynasty, Wang Mang introduced one of the most extensive and highly controversial reform programs in Chinese history over the fifteen-year existence of the Xin Dynasty. Confucian ideology forms the core foundation of Wang Mang's reform logic, and thus he sought to restore social and political order by reviving ancient institutions. His reforms covered economic reform, political adjustment and social governance. However, most of these measures could not be put into real practice smoothly. Their mismatch with contemporary conditions and poor implementation contributed to the failure of the reforms. The idealistic and archaic orientation of reforms was the ultimate cause of failure. Wang Mang's reform still exerts far-reaching historical influence. The evaluations of it are diverse. Wang Mang's reforms left a lasting legacy, providing enduring lessons for understanding state-led institutional change throughout Chinese history.

Keywords: Wang Mang's Reforms; Wang Mang; Xin Dynasty
Published: July 22, 2026
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2026.HT35446
Volume: CHR Vol.113
pp. 151-158
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