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How did the fall of the Han dynasty lead to the Three Kingdoms period?

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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.

The fall of the Han dynasty was driven by internal corruption, factional infighting between eunuchs and consort families, and the rise of powerful regional officials who operated independently of the central government. The Yellow Turban Rebellion, which began in 184 CE, further destabilized the state, forcing the government to conscript massive armies and empowering military leaders.123

As central authority collapsed, various warlords and soldiers of fortune vied for control. By 207 CE, the general Cao Cao dominated the north, but his ambitions for a unified empire were checked by his defeat at the Battle of the Red Cliff by Sun Quan.12

The transition to the Three Kingdoms period was finalized in 220 CE when Cao Pi forced the abdication of the last Han emperor, establishing the Wei dynasty. Subsequently, Liu Bei declared himself emperor of Shu-Han to claim the Han legacy, and Sun Quan established the kingdom of Wu, resulting in the tripartite division of China.12