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A Comprehensive History of China: From Ancient Times to the Present Day

Guillermo Blair

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Published in A Brief History Of China: Dynasty Revolution And Transformation: From The Middle Kingdom To The People S Republic (Brief History Of Asia Series)

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China is one of the world's oldest and most fascinating civilizations. Its history is rich and complex, spanning over 5,000 years. From its humble beginnings in the Yellow River Valley to its rise as a global superpower, China has witnessed some of the most significant events in human history.

A Brief History of China: Dynasty, Revolution and Transformation: From the Middle Kingdom to the People's Republic (Brief History of Asia Series)

by Jonathan Clements

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	352 pages

Ancient China

The earliest evidence of human habitation in China dates back to the Paleolithic era. By the Neolithic period (c. 10,000-2000 BCE),several distinct cultures had emerged in different parts of China. These cultures were based on agriculture, and they developed their own unique forms of pottery, tools, and architecture.

Around 2000 BCE, the first Chinese dynasty, the Xia dynasty, was founded. The Xia dynasty was followed by the Shang dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE) and the Zhou dynasty (c. 1046-256 BCE). These dynasties established a centralized government and developed a sophisticated system of writing, mathematics, and astronomy.

Imperial China

The Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE) was the first dynasty to unify all of China under a single ruler. The Qin dynasty was followed by the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE),which was one of the most prosperous and powerful dynasties in Chinese history.

The Han dynasty was followed by a period of chaos and division known as the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 CE). The Three Kingdoms period was followed by the Jin dynasty (265-420 CE) and the Northern and Southern dynasties (420-589 CE). These dynasties were marked by political instability and warfare.

In 589 CE, the Sui dynasty reunified China. The Sui dynasty was followed by the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE),which was another golden age of Chinese history. The Tang dynasty was followed by the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE),which was known for its economic prosperity and cultural achievements.

The Song dynasty was followed by the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368 CE),which was founded by the Mongols. The Yuan dynasty was followed by the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 CE),which was the last native Chinese dynasty.

Modern China

The Ming dynasty was followed by the Qing dynasty (1644-1912 CE),which was founded by the Manchus. The Qing dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China. In 1912, the Qing dynasty was overthrown and the Republic of China was founded.

The Republic of China was a period of great instability and political turmoil. In 1949, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) led by Mao Zedong defeated the Nationalist Party (KMT) and established the People's Republic of China (PRC).

The PRC has been ruled by the CCP since its founding. Under the CCP, China has undergone a number of significant economic and social changes. China is now the world's second largest economy and a major player on the global stage.

China's history is a long and complex one, filled with both triumphs and tragedies. From its humble beginnings in the Yellow River Valley to its rise as a global superpower, China has witnessed some of the most significant events in human history.

China's history is still being written today. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China is facing a number of challenges, including economic inequality, environmental pollution, and political corruption. However, China is also a country with a rich history and a bright future. With its vast population, natural resources, and technological capabilities, China is poised to play an increasingly important role in the world in the years to come.

A Brief History of China: Dynasty, Revolution and Transformation: From the Middle Kingdom to the People's Republic (Brief History of Asia Series)

by Jonathan Clements

4.7 out of 5