The Northern Song was a Chinese dynasty of the Song dynasty. Emperor Taizu founded the dynasty after seizing the throne of the Later Zhou, the last in a succession of the five dynasties. Its capital, Kaifeng, fell to Jin invaders in 1127 during the Jingkang Incident. The dynasty was succeeded by the Southern Song.

The professional soldier, Zhao Kuang Yin, was a lifeguard in charge of the troops in front of the emperor’s palace in the later Zhou. During the Chenqiao Mutiny, Zhao seized power and established the Song. He adopted an authoritarian centralized system to uproot potential dictatorship and autocracy of senior officials. His bureaucracy led to a terrible decline in efficiency and financial difficulties.

The Northern Song expanded troops, weakened the military power of generals by separating the power to different persons, and shortened their service term at one official post. They would not get the opportunity to get to much power. The constant change of generals declined the strength of the army. The Northern Song troops suffered defeats against minor enemies. Emperor Taizu stabilized his rule while unifying south and north.

After the death of Taizu, Zhao Heng ascended the throne as Emperor Song Zhenzong. The Liao often robbed the borders and looted the Song. Zhenzong headed to the battlefield and boosted the morale of the Song army. The Liao sought to reconcile after defeat and the two countries agreed to a peace treaty. Emperor Zhenzong had no children with his wife. When he died his wife ruled 16 years until Renzong, his son with a concubine, became an adult. The nation became strong under the rule of Renzong with a prosperous economy. The expansion of the imperial court and the scaling number of soldiers were major problems he had to face. This caused financial issues.

Song Yingzong succeeded Renzong. His son Shenzong ascended the throne after him was determined to reform. The new laws promoted by minister Wang Anshi, included the exemption from military services, a trade management system, war horse breeding program, a new tax and other. Natural disasters shocked Zhenzong and he ordered to suspend all 18 laws from the reform. All these policies were restored soon. Shenzong distrusted Wang Anshi. After a second time Wang Anshi was dismissed and retired. The new laws increased the revenue of the country but increased the burden on civilians. Zhenzong continued to reform. After his death, Empress Dowager Gao controlled the politics, restraining Zhao Xu, who assumed the throne as Zhezong. A serious clash between the conservatives and reformists initiated. Zhezong seized back the authority. His brother succeeded him, but he had no interest in governing. As Emperor Huizong, Zhao Ji was seeking enjoyment.

Cai Jing of the Six Thieves handed government affairs. The Jin army defeated the Song army. Huizong was frightened and passed his position to his son, Qinzong. The Jin demanded a large amount of precious stones, causing Qinzong to ransack away his belongings. After the Jin almost robbed all the royal treasures of the Northern Song Dynasty’s Palace, a puppet regime was established. Zhao Gou later reclaimed his position as emperor, establishing the Southern Song Dynasty.