Sweet Dew coup

Chinese history

Also known as: Ganlu coup

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July 14, 2026

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The Sweet Dew coup, also known as the Sweet Dew Incident, occurred in 835 during the Tang dynasty of China. Emperor Wenzong attempted to curb the growing power of the palace eunuchs, who had usurped significant imperial authority. His plots to eliminate the eunuchs failed, leading to the tragic slaughter of his chief ministers and other officials. This event significantly strengthened the eunuchs' power, to the extent that they could even assassinate an heir apparent. The Tang dynasty, which ruled from 618 to 907 CE, was marked by this struggle for power between the emperor and the eunuchs.1

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China
The struggle for central authority
…the bureaucracy, particularly after the Sweet Dew (Ganlu) coup of 835, which misfired and led to the deaths of several ministers and a number of other officials. But the apogee of the eunuchs’ power was brief, ending with the accession of Wuzong in 840. Wuzong and his minister, Li Deyu,…
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…the bureaucracy, particularly after the Sweet Dew (Ganlu) coup of 835, which misfired and led to the deaths of several ministers and a number of other officials. But the apogee of the eunuchs’ power was brief, ending with the accession of Wuzong in 840. Wuzong and his minister, Li Deyu,…
Read More