Chinas Historical Dynasties - Assignment Example

China’s Historical Dynasties The Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) is associated with the establishment of the first centralized, unified as well as the multi-ethnic state in the history of China. During this dynasty, Qin Shi Huang not only standardized currencies, weights and measures, but also established prefectures and counties system. In addition to this, he started to construct the world-renowned Great Wall. Apart from building a large palace and mausoleum, Qin Shi built temporary legal lodges in many places including Xianyang and Lishan. The end of the Qin Dynasty was associated with Liu Bang in cooperation with Xiang Yu overthrowing the Qin regime. After some years, Liu Bang established Han Dynasty in 206 BC. The Han Dynasty (206-220 BC) resulted in well-developed agriculture, handicrafts in addition to commerce. This dynasty made the multi-ethnic country become more united; the unity lasted for about 426 years. This dynasty also contributed to the development of the Great Wall; the wall was built along the Hexi corridor, Yumenguan Pass, and Yangguan Pass in the west. Other walls; Yanmenguan Pass and Niangzuan Pass were set in the north. The Han Dynasty collapsed because of not only natural calamities, but also because of the threats from a large peasant uprising referred to as Yellow Turban Rebellion that refused to pay taxes making the central government short of money. The Han Dynasty was followed by other dynasties including the Sui Dynasty (581-618). During the Sui Dynasty, a lot of progress was made in China. For instance, the dynasty led to the unification of the whole nation making the society more stable and peaceful for economic and political development. Apart from agricultural acreage increasing significantly, the skills industry made advances. The economic activities, as well as agricultural practices during this dynasty, contributed to the development of Grand Canal. The end of this dynasty was followed by the emergence of many other dynasties including the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) under the leadership of Zhu Yuanzhang. This dynasty, however, started to collapse under Emperor Yang, who led a luxurious as well as a corrupt life. His engagement in occasional wars made the country fall into misery. The Wagang Army together with the rebellion peasants groups made Sui’s regime unstable. In addition to this, the strangling of Emperor Yang led to the complete collapse of the dynasty. The Ming Dynasty is claimed to the peak of wall building in China. The Ming court built walls in the north that measured more than 4,600 miles. In addition to adding more miles, the emperors in this dynasty ordered for the enlargement of previous dynasties’ walls into multiple-line walls. This dynasty is also associated with the construction of the greatest fleet in the 15th century; the dynasty was marked by the extensive expansion of the Chinese commerce to other markets in the world. Spiritual traditions description of Chinese history According to religious traditions, the political civilization power did not originate from nature, but from the control of the past. According to Confucians, the moral order of the leaders in Chinese history was influenced by their moral order and not the god of the earth. The society and its constituents embraced the goodness of the rulers. It was as a result of the lack of goodness that people lost confidence in some leaders and, as a result, rebelled against their dynasties. In addition to this, it was very crucial for leaders to portray habits that can make people trust and respect them. Lack of all these aspects made an emperor to be regarded as a subject that lacks the mandate of heaven. In relation to Taoist belief, all creators returned to their distinctive roots in some stages in life. The occurrence of some happenings in China was associated with this belief. In addition to this, it is apparent that China developed in isolation for so long. However, the spiritual enlightenment led to it opening contacts with the West and other areas in the world (Siengkhene 2015). In tandem with Taoist assertion, Buddhism belief is associated with Chinese civilization. According to it, contemplation of eternity contributed to civilization. In contrast, Buddhist associated leaders’ inhumane treatment with the occurrence of problems such as floods and hunger. Floods, as well as other social problems, were claimed to be the signs of failing the mandate of heaven. In connection with this, Confucius associated inward development with the civilization of China. The history of China was also influenced by the Western culture. This is in relation to the fact that the Western invaded China and not only introduced abuse of opium but also treated Chinese as dogs. It was as a result of this that the perception of the Chinese on Western varies significantly today. However, China is one of the economic giants today. Comparison of the two interpretations The history of China based on the dynasties starting from the China of Shi Huang Di to the decline of the imperial era can be referred to as an example of realpolitik. This is in connection with the fact that the history of the dynasties revolved around the political accountabilities of the emperors and their mistakes as much as leadership is concerned. Other dynasties such as the Qin Dynasty were overthrown by political competitors leading to the rise of the Han Dynasty. On the other hand, the history of China based on spiritual traditions description of Chinese history, advent of Western imperialism as well as the rise of modern era can be referred to as a starry-eyed romantic interpretation of the events of China. The narrator in the video clip “The Mandate of Heaven” provides his observation and interpretations he has received from other people and historical materials regarding the history of China and its progress in the modern era. Work Cited Siengkhene, LanXang. China: The Mandate of Heaven. Work Cited 27, Sep. 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjH9lsgkqR4 Read More