Chinese Culture Essay

Chinese Culture changed during the Qin Dynasty. There was an increase in trade, agriculture, and military protection. The central government now had direct control of the population, allowing the ability to have a much bigger workforce. Many projects such as the Great Wall of China were done because of this. The Qin Dynasty had several reforms in China’s society; such as money, advanced writing system, and the weights and measurements became the same units. Book burning and burying of scholars occurred due to the desire to purge all traces of the old dynasties. The Qin’s military was revolutionary due to the fact of more developed weaponry, transportation, and military tactics. All this was done even though China’s government was strict and bureaucratic. Future Chinese regimes were influenced because of this Dynasty. Qin Shihuang was the emperor that was buried in the tomb. He was the first emperor of China. After 200 years of war between 6 states, he unified China. His rule only lasted for 15 years, but left a lasting impact on the country’s history. A few of Qin’s remnants were the legalist principles, a Chinese philosophy that followed hard discipline agreeing to the rule of law. This belief helped Qin to rule the masses in a more centered power order and show a very influential way to rule, but this did now allow for disagreement to occur. Qin introduced a uniform written language which helped the government to communicate and carry out policies. Scholars could share information to a bigger population which helped lead to the transfer of culture. Having one language helped the later dynasties to communicate with the nomads and pass along information on how to compromise or fight with them. The invention of constructing roads allowed better connection between major cities and provinces. The dynasty standardized the length of axles in carts so they could all ride on new roads. The construction of the Great Wall of China made a mark in history for the country’s boundaries, causing a greater unity. The nomadic tribes in the north were not able to attack because of the Great Wall protecting its Country. They dynasty standardizes all weights and measures, leading to a more effortless exchange of goods, and developing a taxation system. The Chinese money is also made equal all over, allowing even more efficiency of exchange in goods. Qin Shihuang had a lasting impact in the power of leadership in China. After his death in 206 BCE, his son, and later his grandson, took power but bother were short lived. The Qin Dynasty ended in 206 BCE. After his death, the same states that were in war before he became the emperor, began to fight again and many leaders sprang up over China until the Han Dynasty. Even though this happened, the lasting effects of practices that were put in place in the Qin Dynasty, lasted throughout the centuries. Qin’s power came from his top-down rule, and people conformed to his rule because of his powerful personality. They followed him because he showed them a vast difference in comparison to their small kingdoms, giving a way to a beginning of a future nation-state. The fact that China is names after Qin just goes to show how big of an influence he really was. For more than 2 thousand years Taoism has been the religious tradition that has influenced the people of East Asia. The work, Tao means the â€Å"path† or â€Å"way†, but with numerous subtle differences in folk religion and Chinese philosophy. There are three Jewels of Tao that are underlined: compassion, moderation, and humility. Taoism teaches mostly on nature, the relationship between humanity and the cosmos. The reason for all of Taoist’s rules and practices is to have Harmony with the Universe. Another thing that is popular in Taoism is godly fear for ancestor spirits and immortals. There is folk religion Taoism, and then there is organized Taoism, the difference is their rituals. Chinese alchemy, astrology, cuisine, Zen Buddhism, many Chinese martial arts, traditional Chinese medicine, and feng shun, and many style of qigong have been weaved with Taoism throughout history. Another philosophy developed in China is Confucianism. It came from the teachings of Confucius; Master Kong, 551-478 B.C. It is a complex system of moral, political, philosophical, social, and part religious thought that influences the culture and history of East Asia. Some East Asian countries consider it to be a state religion because of the adopted philosophies of Confucius. China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam all are influenced by Confucianism as well as Singapore. The very first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Qin Shi Huang was the patron. Not long after he became emperor, he ordered to have his mausoleum be built. It was ordered to be build at the foot of Li Mountain in Xian. Part of his grave goods was the Terra Cotta warriors. It is believed that it took 700,00 men and 40 years to build the mausoleum. Qin wanted not only to be the greatest king alive, but in his death and for eternity. This is why he would not allow a chance for there to be a rebellion between the 6 states that were in war with each other. The terra cotta army was built there to suppress them, and execute his dream of everlasting. This is why he built the army in his tomb.