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Tang Gaozu, Founder Tang Dynasty > 
Emperor Gaozu of Tang China, born Li Yuan, was the founder of the Tang Dynasty of China, and the first emperor of this dynasty from 618 to 626. Under the shortlived Sui dynasty, Li Yuan was the governor in the area of modern-day Shanxi province, and was based in Taiyuan, Shanxi.
In 615, Li Yuan was assigned to garrison Lunghsi. He gained much experience by dealing with the Gokturks of the north and was able to pacify them. Li Yuan was also able to gather support from these successes and, with the disintergration of the Sui dynasty in July of 617, Li Yuan - urged on by his second son Li Shimin (later Taizong emperor) - rose in rebellion. Using the title of "Great Chancellor", Li Yuan installed a puppet child emperor, Emperor Gong, but eventually removed him altogether and established the Tang dynasty in 618.
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