An Lushan, a prominent military general of the Tang dynasty, initiated a rebellion against Chancellor Yang Guozhong at Yanjing, motivated by a complex interplay of political and personal grievances. The tensions between various factions within the Tang court, intensified under the influence of Yang’s administration, created an environment ripe for revolt. An Lushan had grown increasingly discontent with Yang's favoritism and the corruption that permeated the imperial court. On December 16, 755, he declared his rebellion, capitalizing on the dissatisfaction that many military leaders felt towards the central authority.

The rebellion, known as the An Lushan Rebellion, rapidly gained momentum, as An Lushan marched troops from his command in the northeast towards the capital, Chang'an. His forces were well-equipped and loyal, comprising a mix of Turkic and local Han soldiers. The Tang dynasty, already weakened by internal discord and neglect of provincial interests, struggled to respond effectively to this substantial challenge. This insurrection not only destabilized the Tang government but also reflected the underlying issues plaguing the dynasty, including military overreach and fiscal mismanagement.

As the rebellion escalated, it eventually led to one of the deadliest conflicts in Chinese history, significantly impacting the political landscape of the Tang dynasty and beyond. The initial revolt set off a series of military confrontations that lasted for nearly eight years, resulting in immense loss of life, economic disruption, and a profound change in Chinese governance, military structure, and social order. An Lushan’s actions transformed him from a general to a leading insurgent figure, paving the way for imbalances that future dynasties would need to confront.