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How did Liu Bang become the Gaozu emperor of the Han dynasty?

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Map showing the Han Empire's territory around 100 BCE, shaded in orange, covering much of eastern China and extending westward. The map also marks the boundary of modern China and highlights the Great Wall running along the northern frontier, built for protection against the Huns. Major rivers and the capital, Chang'an (Xi'an), are labeled. — Han dynasty Map showing the extent of the Han empire c. 100 bce.

Liu Bang, who later reigned as Emperor Gaozu, rose from humble beginnings as a peasant and a Qin dynasty police officer to become the founder of the Han dynasty.1

Following the death of the Qin emperor Shihuangdi in 210 BCE, Liu Bang joined the rebellion against the dynasty. Initially, the rebel forces were led by the warlord Xiang Yu, who granted Liu Bang control over the kingdom of Han.1

Although Xiang Yu was a militarily brilliant leader, he and Liu Bang soon became rivals. Liu Bang utilized his peasant shrewdness and political pragmatism to overcome Xiang Yu’s forces in a civil war. After Xiang Yu took his own life in 202 BCE, Liu Bang emerged as the undisputed ruler of China, establishing the Han dynasty and taking the title of Gaozu. As emperor, he proved to be a flexible leader who prioritized reviving the rural economy and reducing the tax burden on the peasantry.12