Continuity and Change Over Time: Classical China

CCOT Essay: China 100-600 CE In China during the era 100-600 CE, there were many cultural changes. However, there were many continuities that last until today. During the era of 100-600 CE, political control in China started as the Han Dynasty, but changed to an era of civil wars and chaos, and then to the Sui Dynasty; however, throughout this period, social classes stayed the same because Classical China remained a patriarchal society. In the year 100, China was ruled by the Han Dynasty. The Han Dynasty was the greatest source of power for approximately 400 years. It was a good system and lasted so long because it kept the security and quality of life high for the Chinese people. There was a strong government and a good economy. The Hans connected the vast empire with The Silk Road, which made travel and trade across the empire much safer. When the power was distributed and the peasants started rebelling, including the Yellow Turban revolution, the people were convinced that the Hans had lost the Mandate of Heaven and the dynasty collapsed. This affected many other empires, including the Romans. Following the collapse of the Han dynasty in 220 CE, there was a state of confusion and chaos that lasted hundreds of years. This era of civil unrest led to the splitting up of kingdoms, which made the Silk Road much less safe. It also disrupted trade, which greatly affected the economy. At this time, many other empires needed to trade with China to boost their own economy, so all economies were poor. After hundreds of years of unrest and civil wars, the Sui dynasty finally took over in 581 CE. This was good for the entire area because China was unified once again. It was during the Sui dynasty that the Great Wall was built, which was a good way to travel safely. It was also during this time that a great canal was created, which allowed even more travel among the empires. Furthermore, trade was more possible again, which greatly improved all economies. Although