StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Two Traditional Chinese History - Literature review Example

Cite this document
Summary
This review discusses China’s Han Dynasty. The Han Dynasty centralized social, political and economic sectors of the society in order to have a better grip on power, considering that local administrations threatened the central authority when the Dynasty assumed power…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER92.2% of users find it useful
Two Traditional Chinese History
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Two Traditional Chinese History"

Insert Part A: Question # 2 The China’s Han Dynasty reigned over the society between 202 BC and 220 AD. It was the second royal dynasty of China, succeeding the Qin dynasty (221–206 BC). The dynasty was split into two: the era of Former Han (202 BC – 9 AD) and that of the Later Han (25–220 AD). The Xin dynasty (9–23 AD) of Wang Mang broke the continued existence of the dynasty, though temporarily. Chang’an was the seat of power of the Western Han, while the Eastern side had Luoyang as its capital (Shu-hui 121). The emperor built a strong central government by utilizing his position as the head of government to enact written laws which were aimed at consolidating his hold on power. As the top-most military commander of the army he used the military to flaunt his power and force his policies across the society. The end result was diminished power of the local governments and a strengthened centralized authority. As soon as the dynasty came to power, semi-autonomous kings at the local level threatened the authority of the central government under the emperor (Shu-hui 121). But in response, the emperor and the central authorities substantially weakened the influence of the regional administrators by directing the imperial court to implement reforms. Such actions were in response to serious challenges to the central authority by regionally-instigated movements such as the Rebellion of the Seven States. The emperor was the chief appointing officer; all government employees with at least 600 heaps of grain in pay were appointed by him with the assistance of the advisors, who assessed the qualification of each candidate (Shu-hui 122). The empress dowager served as the emperors real or figurative mother, and was practically more influential than the holder of the throne. By virtue of her ability to override the emperor’s decisions, power was technically held by the two at the expense of regional administrations. The emperor could occasionally delegate his executive powers to a member of the central government, especially when some criminals needed to be executed extra-judicially but the emperor was ill-prepared to carry the baggage. According to Shu-hui, Han managed to centralize power for exercising by the top-most members of the bureaucracy, who were charged with executing out advisory opinion, censorial duties, policymaking, and judicial functions in administering the kingdom (152). The top bureaucrats comprised of cabinet ministers known by the title Excellency, leaders of huge specialized departments called the Nine Ministers, and a number of metropolitan officers drawn from within the capital. The emperor strengthened the central authority by ordering distinguished salaries to members of the bureaucracy, members and aides of the royal family, harem concubines, and soldiers who helped to keep the central authority in place. Lastly, despite the failure of the central government to control the sale of salt, metals, and alcoholic drinks, which led to a reversion of the industries to private management, the government managed to centralize the issuing of currency through the imperial mint (Shu-hui 141). In a nutshell, the Han Dynasty centralized social, political and economic sectors of the society in order to have a better grip on power, considering that local administrations threatened the central authority when the Dynasty assumed power. The Han Dynasty was keen on stamping his authority to repress the civilian populations, and religious dissent by use of military force, which eventually led to its collapse. Part B: Question # 2 Confucianism is a school of thought that was derived from the philosophies of the wise Confucius (551 - 479 B.C.). The philosophies were contained in the Analects of Confucius. First, Confucianism is an arrangement premised upon ethical, political, social, and quasi-spiritual philosophy, whose influence was extended beyond China to other Asian countries such as Korea and Japan. The primary Confucian ideologies encompass ren (humanity) zhengming (heavenly), zhong (devotion), xiao (familial virtue), and li (ceremony). Confucianism is advantageous because it occasioned the golden principle, which is essentially based on handling others as one would like to be handled (Ming-Tak 38). In addition, the idea of Yin and Yang, which are two contradicting forces were transformed under Confucianism into a concept of tolerance. Still, the concept of meritocracy, which generally allows only the most qualified to take up positions in society, is a Confucian concept that triggers efficiency in society. Although, Confucianism blends various philosophies and thus creates religious harmony in society, its primary disadvantage lies in the consensus itself; the philosophy threatens to obliterate distinct religious philosophies by forging a compromise line of thought. In addition, Confucianism impedes genuine philosophical change by tampering progress with the need for unity of thought and harmony (Ming-Tak 39). Second, Taoism or Daoism is a school of thought which eventually grew into a religious organization. Tao literally implies path, although in metaphysics, it is usually used in reference to the natural power of the universe. The primary elements of Dao are sympathy, moderation, and modesty. Taoist philosophy is advantageous because it limits conflicts by virtue of wu Wei (non-action) and by the power of softness. In addition the value of humanism and emptiness in Tao are important to forging tolerance of diverse opinion in society. Nonetheless, emptiness and the power of softness create a system where people lack any perpetual principles about life with which they can be judged. In addition, Taoism is disadvantageous because it is primarily driven by the need to remain non-vocal with one’s opinion. As such, the philosophy resembles Confucianism in the sense that it impedes development through critical thoughts. Lastly, legalism is a progressive political philosophy, whose primary agenda is to enact clear unwavering laws, which are complete with retributive justice for the law breakers. Through its primary principle of jurisprudence, legalism is advantageous because the ruler would govern his people based on universal Fa (laws), which treat people equally across board. The doctrine of Shu (tactic), limits haphazard responses by the ruler to issues and events in society based on his perceptions, while Shi (legitimacy) seeks to advance moral leadership based on the law (Ming-Tak 41). Regardless, legalism is disadvantageous as it can be turned into a totalitarian system. An emperor can use the laws against his opponents. In addition, it is natural that legalism favors the political elite, who then may use the existing legal structures to discriminate against hapless members of the society. In addition, unlike the philosophies advocating compromise, the legalist system is too inflexible to accommodate divergent views. As such, individuals whose interests are not taken care of under the legal system may develop a feeling that they are unfairly targeted by the establishment, while the ruling elite would praise the system. Works Cited Ming-Tak Hue. The Influence of Classic Chinese Philosophy of Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism on Classroom Discipline in Hong Kong Junior Secondary Schools. Pastoral Care in Education, 25.2 (2007): 38-45. Shu-hui, Wu. On Shiji 22, Table Ten: A Year-by-Year Table of Generals, Chancellors, and Prominent Officials since the Founding of the Han Dynasty. Journal of Chinese Studies, 59.1 (2014): 121-164. Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“2 traditional Chinese history essay questions. 2pages for each”, n.d.)
Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/history/1670021-2-traditional-chinese-history-essay-questions-2pages-for-each-question
(2 Traditional Chinese History Essay Questions. 2pages for Each)
https://studentshare.org/history/1670021-2-traditional-chinese-history-essay-questions-2pages-for-each-question.
“2 Traditional Chinese History Essay Questions. 2pages for Each”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/history/1670021-2-traditional-chinese-history-essay-questions-2pages-for-each-question.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Two Traditional Chinese History

Modern Chinese Fashion

chinese history reflects that very deep attention has always been paid to attire.... The paper analyzes the modern chinese fashion.... So much has changed over the course of so many years that modern chinese culture can appear to be vividly different from what it was like in the past.... Enhancing body curves creatively and with a tinge of mystery forms hallmark of the present day chinese female wear, while in old chinese pictures women are always seen clad in loose robes....
4 Pages (1000 words) Research Paper

Asian Film term paper

At this moment of history, India as a country is going through a cultural phase causing the situation to be more complicated.... Conflict between Individualism and traditional values in film Name of of Institution Abstract Societies change because of modernization.... traditional values therefore face challenges in becoming irrelevant in light of individual facing modern experiences.... hellip; Attachment of society to traditional values is guided by the standards that such values instill in individuals such as undivided loyalty and obligation to family and social institutions....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

Autumn Moon Festival in San Francisco

Most of the entertainment programs were very much inspired by the traditional chinese folk dances, martial arts, and the modern jazz routines.... Right after the Loma Prieta earthquake strikes the Bay Area economy in 1989, the ‘Autumn Moon Festival' also known as ‘Full Moon Festival' in San Francisco was introduced and established by the chinese Merchants Association back in 1991 with the purpose of increasing the… (Tiger Business Development, 2007; ChinaTown Merchants Association, 2005) Following the chinese calendar, the mid-autumn festival is annually celebrated during the 15th day of the eighth month when the moon is in its fullest and brightest....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Red Sorghum by Zhang Yimou

The Chinese culture is defined first by the history and memory that defines the feminine into the yin and yang roles.... The idea of the feminine, from a cultural context, is based on spiritual meanings that come from history and memory and which are passed down between different generations.... In the movie, there is a conflict with the cultural significance of the feminine with the definitions of the feminine becoming controversial with the memories, history and social implications....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

Temple of Heaven, Beijing

The Great chinese Empires withheld the chinese traditional culture and architecture in their governance of the people, just as in nearly all of other chinese traditions, the people's way of life into their politics.... The chinese political elite represented by emperors newly… According to ancient chinese politics, the political leadership such as the famous Ming and Qing empires observed the sociocultural practices of the people into their As expected, the construction of the Temple of Heaven offered the leadership a religious opportunity to connect with the people and sustain the tradition of a rich cultural endowment....
11 Pages (2750 words) Essay

Understanding of the Chinese traditional value

China is one of the nations with a long history of strong traditional values that include:… Out of all these, harmony has always come out as the core value.... chinese perspective describes harmony as “proper and balanced coordination between things” and makes it to encompass Here, Rationale means to act based on objective truths and laws.... The chinese traditional value of harmony calls for “harmony but not uniformity.... ?? (Pan, pg 54) The contemporary chinese society has put up a strong fight to ensure the maintenance of harmony between individuals and society; between nature and human beings; between communities; and between the mind and the body....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

How Obsession Is Presented in the Text

What are distinctive about the history of the late Mingare not changes in production, but changes in the consumption of luxury, Clunas (2013) asserts.... According to the author, the mania for gardens of literati excluding the vast chinese majority from possessing one, is an attempt to shore up the weakening structure of elite display of status (Clunas, 2013).... The author challenges chinese intellectuals to consider the consumption nature and exchange of commodity as a key to the understanding of the beginnings of the modern era in China....
6 Pages (1500 words) Essay

Is the Chinese One Child Policy Worth It

During the 20th century, a general world population increased greatly and unprecedentedly in human history within all countries due to technical and scientific progress in medicine and common mass social tendency, a sexual revolution and etc.... This essay "Is the chinese One Child Policy Worth It" discusses how in a chase of economic well-being and living conditions improving, a chinese reproductive process has to go through a strict governmental correction: the family planning program One Child Policy....
9 Pages (2250 words) Essay
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us