CHINA
HISTORY- China's history is a very interesting
one and one that has had a profound effect on world
history. In this section is A BRIEF OVERVIEW
OF CHINESE HISTORY. Other sections are ANCIENT
CHINA, DYNASTY TIMELINE
and IMPERIAL CHINA. The links for
these are immediately below. Scroll down the page
for the Overview of China's History
Ancient
China
Dynasty
Timeline
Imperial
China
If you are interested in
China
Culture use this link.
OVERVIEW OF
THE HISTORY OF CHINA
China can boast of being
the oldest civilization in the world. It is known
that China was established as far back as 3500 years
ago, possibly even as far as 5000 years! In that time
period, there are many great leaders and great hardships
that fell. Here is a brief overview of the history
of China.
The Five August Ones -
the Five Emperors. The founders of the amazing ancient
Chinese civilization, they were said to be sage, godlike
figures - they lived many thousands of years ago and
were enveloped in a period that gave rise to much
mythology.
Xia Dynasy: Great advancements
were made here. For example, wine making, horse herding
and the use of carriages occurs. The Yellow Emperor
has established himself as the ancestor of all Chinese
people. We see hereditary monarchy here, but the last
ruler in this time period, Jie, is said to have been
corrupt and was overthrown by T’ang.Shang Dynasty:
By 1523 BC, the Shang Dynasty had begun, and with
it brought the use of the first Chinese characters.
This is a time period of high civilization, in which
weapons of war, bronze, jade, ceramics and royal tombs
are found. Palaces and ritual areas are established.
Zhou Dynasty: During this,
the longest dynasty in Chinese history, iron is introduced.
The culture of this dynasty is much the continuation
of that of the Shang period. The goal is conquest
of other peoples and the colonization of various areas.
We see the ruling family overthrown here, and the
feudal system of government seems to be evident as
well. Nobles had true power in the ruling as kings
were merely name only.
Spring and Autumn Period:
This period which begins in 722 BC and ends in 481
BC is a time of decentralization of power. The time
period has many battles, annexations and the slow
falling of nobility. But, this also brought with it
a time of expansions in literacy and technological
advancements.
Qin Dynasty: The beginning
of the Imperial China. The unification of China takes
place here. A bureaucratic state is so prominent;
it will last through many other dynasties. Legal codes
were established. The writing characters became standard
here, rules and laws were established. Transportation
was improved and unified throughout China. Anyone
who disagreed with this legalism rule was put to death.
Also, national conscription decreed that every male
in the ages of 17 to 60 must serve one year in the
army. The Terracotta Army was created and buried with
the First Emperor.
Western Han Dynasty: One
of the Greatest Periods of Chinese history. Prosperity
in agriculture, commerce and handmade items occurred.
The population reached 50 million. Sima Qian, a historian
is here, and advances of all sorts are happening.
Xin Dynasty: One ruler,
Wang Mang, who was a scholar and politician. Yet,
he was seized and killed within 13 years of rule.
Eastern Han Dynasty: Beginning
of Silk Road, continuation of Han Dynasty.
Three Kingdoms: Introduction
of Buddhism. One of the most deadly, as reports of
the population decrease to 16 million, although this
is not that accurate. Warring is to blame for the
deaths of millions.
Jin Dynasty: Wars, battles,
crises plagues the country. Rule is constantly challenged.
Southern and Northern Dynasties:
We see much war here too, but there are many advances
nonetheless - including gunpowder, wheelbarrows, medicines,
astronomy, and cartography are growing.
Sui Dynasty: The reunification
of Southern and Northern China. Grand Canal is constructed.
Land equalization system, agricultural improvements,
centralized government, coinage is standardized. The
Great Wall is expanded. Buddhism is encouraged and
expands.
Tang Dynasty: Written word
is communicated through block printing methods. Great
period of art, government, and literature. Although
Buddhism is standard and encouraged, the first Christian
missionaries arrive. The Prophet Muhammad also visits
creating the birth of Islam. It will be the time of
the mass persecution of Buddhism years later in 845.
Zhou Dynasty:
Five Dynasties and Ten
Kingdoms Period: A period of warring.
Song Dynasty: Reunification
of China since Tang Dynasty. Civilian scholar officials
are centralized in bureaucratic form. Civilian rule
is used to empower the emperor. Cities become trade
centers. A nationwide market system is evident due
to the use of a unified tax system and the fact that
anyone could become wealthy. Industrial revolution
taking place. Painting, writings, and even porcelain
are continued and improved.
Lio
Dynasty:
Yuan Dynasty:
Ming Dynasty: Merchants
are exploring the Indian Ocean. Chinese art is in
demand. A vast navy and army are built. The most advanced
nation on Earth at the time. Books were printed; one
million troops are at hand.
Qing Dynasty: The last
imperial empire. Culture continues to expand, yet
there is warring and strife as well.
Republic of China: The
Revolution of 1911 allowed for socialism. A time of
advancements throughout culture, but the warring strife
is high as well.
People’s Republic
of China: Current day China. Although there is war
and unrest in some areas, this is a great time of
advancements for the Chinese people.
See at top of page for
links to other History pages.
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