Yuan Shao - Cause of Yuan Shao's Downfall

Cause of Yuan Shao's Downfall

Yuan Shao's defeat at the Battle of Guandu is cited as an excellent example of how superior tactics and strategy can be used to defeat much larger forces. By using feints, counterattacks and strategic withdrawals, Cao Cao managed to render Yuan Shao's vastly superior manpower useless. It can be said Yuan Shao was simply outsmarted by his former friend Cao Cao. According to some sources, however, his defeat can be attributed to his failure to listen to his advisor Tian Feng. It is said that he lost his chance to defeat Cao Cao early on when he refused to mobilise his army, claiming his son was ill with a toothache.

Some believe Yuan Shao's defeat was caused by senility. They argue that it would explain how a man who managed to become for a good period of time the dominant force in China could suddenly fail so completely. It is possible that it was a combination of senility, inability to listen to advice and his unfortunate luck in finding such a cunning foe that was Yuan Shao's downfall.

Cao Cao had once analyzed Yuan Shao before the Battle of Guandu. Cao Cao said: Yuan Shao will be defeated during the war.

1. He is arrogant, self-centered, and senile;
2. His advisers fight against each other;
3. His generals have brawn but no brain, Yan Liang and Wen Chou were valiant but unskilled in terms of using tactics;
4. His sons' rivalry: All three brothers appear to be disunited
5. He did not respect his followers or troops

Yuan Shao was defeated not long after this analysis.