How did An Lushan’s revolt affect Tang rule in 755?

The rebellion of An Lushan, which began in 755, fundamentally destabilized the Tang dynasty and initiated a period of chronic warlordism and decentralization.12

The revolt caused widespread destruction and forced the imperial court to flee the capital, Chang’an. To suppress the uprising, the government was forced to rely on Uighur mercenaries and grant significant concessions to rebel generals. Following the conflict, the central government lacked the strength to fully pacify the regions, leading to a post-rebellion settlement where surrendered rebel leaders were appointed as imperial governors in command of their own territories.123

In Hebei, this resulted in the creation of semi-independent provinces where leadership was often hereditary and the central government held little practical authority. This provincial separatism represented a massive loss of tax revenue and manpower for the state. While the dynasty survived, the rebellion permanently weakened central control, fostered a rise in the political influence of eunuchs, and shifted the empire toward a system of regional military autonomy that persisted until the Song dynasty.32