Ancient Chinese History - Essay Example

December 04, History of the World Introduction The nation of China has rich historical incarnations that spread across centuries. Ancient Chinese civilization flourished both economically and culturally centuries ago. Cultural and geographical conditions are believed to be the main factors that led to the prosperity of the ancient Chinese society. The cradle of the imperial Chinese empire is believed to be in the north China plane, along the basin of Yellow River. In 222 BC, the Qin dynasty conquered several states and paved way for the establishment of giant China. Economic, political, and cultural developments in China had significant impacts on neighboring states such as India and Japan. China enjoyed its last golden age under the Ming dynasty, which was characterized by economic, political, and cultural revolutions. Under Zheng’s leadership, the Chinese navy developed tremendously and carried out numerous explorations around the world. This essay explores the different ways in which people experienced their giant Chinese neighbor. The essay also explores reactions towards the Chinese self-contained civilization. Giant Expansion Chinese growth and prosperity had significant influence on its neighbors, particularly India and Korea. During the era of imperial China, neighboring people considered China a source of intellect. The height of Chinese inventions in science and technology was realized during the Tang and Song dynasties. The Tang dynasty is considered the most prosperous dynasty in terms of science and technology. Remarkable inventions during the two dynasties can be traced in the fields of agriculture, medicine, marine and transport. Although the Chinese community made the invention for their own interests, most of the inventions trickled down to their neighbors in a variety of ways. Firstly Chinese neighbors experienced Chinese inventions through military conquest. China remained aggressive towards its neighbors throughout the history of the ancient Chinese monarchies. Chinese inventions led to dramatic expansions in its military capabilities, which promoted numerous raids on its weaker neighbors. The concept of Confucianism founded during the Yuan dynasty is also a pillar of Chinese philosophy and intellectual freedom. The concept advocated for individualism and innate morality and, had significant impact on Chinese neighbors. Neo-Confucian social and government structures can be traced among most of the Chinese neighbors such as Japan and Korea. The giant neighbor exerted numerous pressures on the nearby neighbors to a point of creating conflicts. Although China did not occupy any of its neighbors, it applied soft tactics targeting people’s culture as a strategy for Chinese expansion. Unlike other aggressive neighbors such as Japan, China did not engage in a full-scale war with any of its neighbors (Meng 113). However, China used its rich culture as a weapon of conquest. Chinese philosophy and art dominate the culture of most of its neighbors. Thus, the neighbors viewed China as a source of leadership and inspiration. Indeed most of the neighboring cultures are based on the once dominant Chinese culture. Ancient Chinese writing and religion are also a major source of influence among the Chinese neighbors. Chinese political and cultural expansion induced varied reactions among the neighbors most of whom believed in sovereignty. Moreover, the neighbor’s responses towards Chinese aggressive expansion were dependent on the nature of the respective invasion. For instance, most neighboring societies borrowed or adopted the positive aspects of the Chinese civilization such as industrialization and agriculture (Meng 23). Chinese cultivation methods such as crop rotation building of terraces, irrigation, and plantation farming were adopted by most of the Chinese neighbors. It is believed that some neighboring states such as Korea responded by becoming part of Ming China. This annihilation was characterized by the adoption of the neo-Confucian bureaucratic structure of government. Although China had attractive cultural heritage and government structures, most of the Chinese neighbors did not value Chinese prosperity. This made them react violently towards the supposed Chinese expansion. For instance, Chinese conquest over Tibet and northern Vietnam initiated revolts against the imperial China. However due to the depth of Chinese culture over its neighbors, most of these disputes were resolved in favor of China. Self-contained Civilization The Chinese believed that their civilization is the greatest civilization in the world. This made the country become a self-contained or isolated civilization. Chinese isolation led to the development of unique culture and lifestyle that characterize the Chinese people. Although China had the capabilities of controlling the world during the height of its civilization, it never established colonies as western civilizations did. In fact, Chinese sailors made voyage to Africa even before European visited the continent. However, the Chinese never made colonies in Africa or other isolated states. The isolated nature of the Chinese civilization made China isolated in global affairs and integration. Moreover, the isolated aspect of Chinese civilization made China a self-contained country. This implies that China produced all its requirements without external support or influence. China is endowed with diverse natural resources and extensive population. These factors are believed to be the main contributors of the self-contained China. I consider the self-contained aspect of Chinese civilization ineffective. Precisely, the self-contained aspect of Chinese civilization hindered its political domination. China is the oldest and the most structured civilization in the world. Thus, China was capable of enhancing its political influence around the world (Meng 23). Unlike other European powers, China had a large population and outstanding military capabilities. In addition, China had a well-structured administration capable of controlling the world. However, the self-contained aspect of Chinese civilization prevented them from controlling the world. In addition, China did not optimize its potential in science and technology, considering that the Chinese discovered writing even before the Europeans did. Due to lack of challenges, Chinese scholars and inventors never bothered to extend their knowledge. This explains why the Europeans are ahead of China in terms of science and technology. In conclusion, the China is among the greatest civilizations in the world. Indeed the Chinese believed that China was the greatest civilization that has ever existed. As China continued to grow into a giant civilization, neighboring states either supported or opposed the growth. Thus, China became a source of religious, political, economical, and cultural influence among its neighbors. The concept of Confucianism can be traced in most neighboring states such as Japan, India, and Korea. Although China had the greatest civilization in south East Asia, they remained an isolated civilization. The idea of isolation made China less effective in global affairs such as trade. In addition, isolation of China has hindered its political advancement and influence. Works Cited Meng, Fanhua. Phenomenon of Chinese Culture at the Turn of the 21st century. Singapore: Silkroad Press. 2011. Read More