The Tang Dynasty, established in 618, had already passed its golden age and entered its long decline beginning with the An Lushan Rebellion by Sogdian general An Lushan.
The power of provincial military governors (Jiedushi) had increased greatly after imperial troops crushed the Anshi rebels.
The morals of these generals had also decayed as their power increased, the resentment of common people against the inability of the government had grown, and their grievances had exploded into several rebellions during the mid-ninth century.
Many impoverished farmers, tax-burdened landowners and merchants, as well as many large salt smuggling operations, had formed the base of the anti-government rebellions of this period.
Wang Xianzhi and Huang Chao are two of the important rebel leaders during this era.
The rebellion of Huang Chao begins in 874, weakening the strength of the already declining Tang Dynasty.
Late in the Xiantong era (860-873) of Emperor Yizong, there had been severe alternating droughts and floods that have caused terrible famines.
Despite this, the Tang imperial government had not tended to the victims of these natural disasters, and the taxes not only were not decreased, but had been increased to fund Emperor Yizong's luxurious lifestyle and campaigns.
As a result, the survivors have grouped themselves into bands and rise to resist Tang rule.
Wang Xianzhi (who, like Huang Chao, is a salt privateer) and Shang Junzhang rise at Changyuan (in modern Xinxiang, Henan) in 874.
