Final exam ( History ) for Eng. Kelvin

Introduction

China is one of the non-western countries that have had a remarkable civilization over the history. The country’s civilization began during the dynasty of Han. However, Han’s regime collapsed, and divisions broke out in China leading to the decline in growth and civilization of the country in the hands of greedy and selfish leaders who were divided into many “lines.” Later, in the early 3rd Century, there were segregations and civil wars all over the nation. The people who rose to power and made decisions regarding the conduct of the other people took advantage of absence of a functional and organized government in China. Establishment of distinct empires began, for instance, nomadic people from the Gabi Desert migrated into the country through the south of the Great Wall. After that, a lot of political and economic changes took place hence impacting China’s society in both negative and positive ways.

Influence of Geography

Throughout the civilization process and period China has enjoyed and benefited from relative geography isolation that has paved the way for the development and advancement of distinctive cultures. Various major physical barriers have separated China from the continents, particularly Asia. These include mountains like Mt. Himalayans, to the west, there is Taklimakan desert, towards the north we have Mongolian Plateau and Gobi desert, and towards Eastern and southern eastern there is the Pacific Ocean. All these geographical and environmental features led to preservation and continuity of different cultures within the country (Duiker & Spielvogel). This aspect of preserving and continuing with the past cultures created a demand for the establishment of a new ruling dynasties that would conform to the previous customs and ways of lives in efforts of Sinicizing and all the conquered people. Additionally, the Chinese believed that their cultures were superior hence, conserved and respected their ways of lives. For instance, setting up of dynasties for every culture has contributed to the realization of the country’s civilization.

Influence of religion

Religion is another factor that has played a significant factor in shaping and defining civilization in China. During the 1122 BC, the Chinese were ruled by the Zhou Dynasty. This period was described as a mythical time where Chinese believed they had the great prosperities and an excellent system of government. People including the leaders cared for each other and made occasional prayers and sacrifices in unity to avoid misery and bad happenings. Later, religion brought some political innovations that improved the leadership and governance of China. The rules had to have divine right to lead others. Therefore, for one to be regarded as a rule, the person must have had a spiritual connection that relied on the moral behaviors. The leaders ruled without objection or rejection as long as they governed others in a just and wise way. Hence, religion guided the conduct of the people by teaching what is “good” and “evil” aspects that have helped build the basis for moral standards (Multiple Voices VI, 1989). These principles have acted as the “building blocks” of prosperous civilization in China up-to-date.

Major historical developments

Various events and happenings took place while the country was under the civilization process and period. For example, leadership rules and regulations were introduced where uprising and invasions emerged as rulers became cruel and treated others harshly. However, in the midst of social and political upheavals, philosophy flourished. A lot of informative and creative ideas of the Chinese culture were introduced during this period. For instance, Confucianism emerged where clerks from a middle social class were sought to give answers to the everyday problems that the Chinese were facing. In restoring the lost peace and harmony, Daoism was introduced. Daoism advocated for the concern of the welfare of the others by encouraging the practice of restraints and kindness, especially during a crisis.

Major encounters with the west

The first encounters of the West and the Chinese were during the 18th Century. The main aim of the west to encounter with the Chinese was to spread the “gospel” as they came as missionaries. This encounter had both hostile and peaceful impacts (Duiker & Spielvogel). Afterward, people became egalitarian since they could air and share their ideas and how they felt about certain aspects of humanity that affected their lives. There was also withdrawal from the society as people became more capitalist and cared only for themselves. Nevertheless, this encounter progressed civilization of China as people became more attuned to the promise of a blissful life afterward that relied on their current preparations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that China’s civilization relied on the interplay of “good” and “Bad” that is commonly known as the “yang” and “yin” in Chinese language. Civilization in this country has had various challenges and significant boosts like the western missionaries and the introduction of Daoism that shaped and aligned China in tremendous ways. These changes have created the friendly and supportive ambiance that Chinese enjoys up-to-date making the country to be one of the civilized and best destination across the world.

References

Duiker, W. J., & Spielvogel, J. J. (2012). The Essential of World History. Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Multiple Voices VI. (1989). Buddhism in China: Acceptance, Rejection, and Accommodation.