Han China vs. Imperial Rome The methods of political control used in Han China (206 B.C.E-220 C.E.) were similar to that of Imperial Rome (31 B.C.E-476 C.E. ); however, these societies greatly differed on their oppositions of governing and the techniques used in maintaining control over citizens, expansions, and their falls. Han China and Imperial Rome had similar governments because they were ruled under one central leader, however, Han China had an emperor that enforced policies and Imperial Rome had a republic because they felt the monarchy did no good to the people. The Senate of Rome had most control over the citizens.
Each dynasty had an Emperor who ruled the country, this was decided through “The Mandate of Heaven” which again integrated the teachings of Confucianism. Confucius was a chinese philosopher, born in 551 BC, whose quotes and ideas were all collected after his death and became the basis of a philosophical doctrine, known today as Confucianism. Confucianism is to do with human beings on what they achieve and their interest. The theory of confucianism believes that man cannot live alone, but with other human beings, the ultimate goal in their life is to be happy, to achieve this they must reach complete peace. The “Mandate of Heaven” is an ancient Chinese philosophical concept, this originated in the Zhou Dynasty, from 1046 - 256 BCE.
Also, Chinese emperors were viewed as kingly, while the Egyptian kings, or pharaohs were seen and praised as gods. Religions in Ancient China and in Ancient Egypt are different and yet similar. Three different teachings, including Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism greatly inspired the Chinese. Confucius thought people about being loyal, selfish, and courteous. Daoism is a philosophy that defines proper conduct for people and governments.
Ancient China’s Philosophies In China there were three major philosophies, which were Legalism, Daoism, and Confucianism. All of them played an important role in China. One major philosophy that came out of China was Confucianism. Confucians strongly believed in Duty, humanity, and the Filial Piety. Duty is a work ethic, it meant that you had to work hard to fulfill the duties and the affairs of society will prosper as a whole.
He considered agriculture and commerce crucial and developed them concurrently. The tax system, monetary coinage and meteorology were all standardized. In culture, the emperor unified the Chinese characters in writing, which promoted the development of the Chinese culture. However, he also suppressed scholars who were not to his liking. Consequently, many opposing scholars were killed in Xianyang.
The legalists believed that having an efficient and strong government would bring social order. An ideal ruler in the legalists mind was someone who used law to keep order and rewarded those who carried out their roles in society correctly. Also the ruler should punish those who were noncompliant. One distinguished leader of the Qin and legalist rule was Shi Huangdi who defeated all the opposition that came his way. He stopped anyone who wished to invade China and subsequently doubled the size of China.
If people turned in lawbreakers, they were rewarded. If they did not, they were executed. This organized system gave me great power. That power allowed me to make huge changes and have great control over China. Although this is cruel, as no one can trust anyone, this system created a sense of peace within China.
It had a strong and peaceful government during the Qing Empire and imperial powers such as Britain and the U.S. were interested in Chinese goods. By the late 1700s, however, China was experiencing internal strains with the population and with the government (columbia.edu). China had often looked down on foreigners and did not accept their cultures, but in 1793, the Chinese emperor agreed to meet with an English ambassador. The ambassador brought with him modern gadgets of that time such as clocks and instruments (Beck 371). The emperor was not interested and then the British realized they would have to find a product to trade with China so they could balance out the trading with China; that product was opium (Beck 371).
Classical China had dynasties. A dynasty is a family of rulers whose right to rule is hereditary. Dynasties would last from hundreds of years, to 15 years which was the shortest dynasty. Through the centuries, the dynasties would increase in size and devour china. Starting at the northern part of china, the dynasties would expand all around.
During her settlement as the father of Kao Tsung’s Concubine to Kao Tsung’s Empress, Wu campaigned in the elimination her opposition and promotion her supporters. At the end, the Elder Statesmen of the Court were decimated. Despite the sinister overtones, there is ingenuity shown even from her career’s beginning. Charisma and persuasion shown, was reflected in Wu’s rule of the people of China as her later policies aimed to gain their support as she knew theirs would trump the ones in the royal court. This mindset outlines her as being very capable in the royal court’s politics.