Discussion-MODULE 5 - Essay Example

Discussion-Module 5 al Affiliation) Discussion-Module 5 From the lecture and textbook reading, we can establish that the imperial dynastic system of government guaranteed a long history of stability and continuity in China. The Chinese communism also derived continuity of leadership while an optimal strategy and long term national development goals derived stability. The Chinese military strength and administrative expertise stabilized China. Additionally, certain geographic factors like the Yangtze River that enhanced internal trade and the mountains and rivers that encouraged linguistic integration contributed to stability.

The Chinese rivers fostered agricultural development and population growth while the Chinese coastline and the Grand Canal unified China by promoting communication and integration. The Chinese history entailed Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties that developed early ideologies. The Confucian ideology promoted the Xia dynasty. The Shang dynasty promoted the development of Bronze technology and written language as well as ancestral beliefs. The Zhou dynasty established a strong centralized government that manifested how heaven delegates authority to strong and wise rulers and condemns failed leaders.

From the primary source readings, we derive the Confucian philosophy that valued universal order, respect of children for their parents, moral cultivation of men, social harmony, state service, and ethical and competent leadership. The Confucian philosophy asserts that a virtuous person should know their place in the society and offer their best. Daoism addressed violence, arbitrary laws, and strict social hierarchy by valuing a simple and individual life. Daoism asserts that a virtuous person should cultivate harmony with nature and with other individuals by living a simple life and fostering unity of purpose.

Legalism values strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain centralized leadership. It also values the head of state as a divine leader who should derive respect and authority from a virtuous person.From the video "Engineering an Empire,” Qin Shih Huang Di came to power after defeating the last Warring State in 221 BC and declaring himself the first Sovereign Emperor of Qin. Qin Shih Huang Di brought stability and unity to China after the Warring States Period by introducing a new currency, standardizing the Chinese units of measurements, abolishing Confucianism and feudalism, and using military power to enhance state unity.

Indeed, Qin Shih Huang Di manifested extensive power by relying on military power, abolishing feudal holdings, forcing noble families to live in the Chinese capital, and taxing peasants. Upon Qin Shih Huang’s death, Han emperors build upon his achievements by maintaining Qin’s basic political and economic reforms to achieve long-term stability. However, Han was inexperienced and he relaxed the laws and reintroduced Confucianism that eroded stability.