The proclamation of Liu Bei as the Emperor of Shu Han in 221 CE was a momentous event in Chinese history, marking a critical juncture in the transition from the Han Dynasty to the Three Kingdoms period. This event not only signified the formal establishment of the Shu Han state but also represented the culmination of Liu Bei's journey from a humble background to becoming a key figure in one of the most turbulent and romanticized eras in China.

Liu Bei, a descendant of the Han royal family, had long been a significant player in the waning years of the Han Dynasty, renowned for his virtuous character and his ambition to restore the Han Dynasty. Following the collapse of the Han Dynasty and the rise of the Three Kingdoms, Liu Bei's ascension to the throne was both a strategic and symbolic move.

After Cao Pi, the son of Cao Cao, forced the abdication of the last Han emperor and declared himself the emperor of Cao Wei, the political landscape of China was irreversibly altered. In response, and to legitimize his claim as the true successor of the Han Dynasty, Liu Bei declared himself the Emperor of Shu Han in 221 CE, establishing his rule over the southwestern parts of China, primarily present-day Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.

Liu Bei's rise to emperor was underpinned by his years of struggle for power and legitimacy. He was known for his compassionate and people-centric approach, which earned him widespread support among the populace and loyalty among his subordinates. His claim to the throne was further strengthened by his lineage and his portrayal as a leader committed to reviving the Han Dynasty's ideals.

As Emperor of Shu Han, Liu Bei focused on consolidating his power and establishing a stable administration. He was assisted by talented advisors like Zhuge Liang, whose wisdom and strategies were crucial in the administration and military campaigns of Shu Han. Liu Bei's reign, however, was also marked by challenges, including military confrontations with the rival states of Cao Wei in the north and Eastern Wu in the east.

The establishment of Shu Han by Liu Bei played a significant role in the tripartite division of China that characterized the Three Kingdoms period. Alongside Cao Wei and Eastern Wu, Shu Han was one of the three rival states that emerged from the remnants of the Han Dynasty, each with its own distinct cultural and political identity.