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| Chinese
History |
Introduction
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Chinese History
- Introduction
Chinese history is very long and complicated. It is
seldom taught in any depth by Western schools, and what
is available is often layered with political or nationalistic
views of the country of origin. This is an independent
work that does not have any political or nationalistic
agenda. It is intended as a simple point of reference
by which the casual reader may learn a little of the
full history of China.
There are two versions:
Version A.
A quick guide
- giving the very basic facts
Version B.
An in depth look at all eras of Chinese history, which
is divided into sections for easy reference
One striking theme of Chinese history is the almost
continuous power struggles between Warlords. Sometimes
one would rise to a position to control the whole Country,
but more often several were in contention at the same
time. Frequently 'Royal Houses' would be overthrown,
only to rise again centuries later and perhaps under
a new guise. This didn't really end until 1949!
Spelling
Do not be misled by the English spelling of Chinese
names and dynasties. These are often translated as being:
a. The same spelling of different names (Chinese characters)
b. Different spellings of the same name in English
Emperors would usually have a Title name, and a real
name; where the family name appears first
Powerful Women
For simplicity, I have seldom included Empresses, as
only one was ever Ruler in her own right. However, you
should be aware of the power of: family, wife, and mother.
Weaker Emperors were often controlled by one of these.
Also note that on many occasions a concubine (They are
chosen by the First Wife bizarrely), has risen to ultimate
power within the Empire, whilst the Emperor retains
a public face only
Further Reading
There is also a growing section detailing contemporary
Kingdoms in other parts of China, outside of mainstream
Han history.
Neighbouring countries that have shared history are
also being included with the aim of providing a complete
history of all areas that comprise modern China
To these basic pages we have added special sections
for clarity and fun.
Inventions
For an interesting list of Chinese inventions and world
First's, please see our dedicated page:
Chinese
Inventions
Quiz
You may also find our History Quiz to be both enlightening
and entertaining. Please click:
History
Quiz
This is a rough guide for Foreigners who may have
little or no knowledge about much of Chinese history.
Western schools have tended to pay scant attention
to China, except for specific incidents concerning
primarily themselves, such as: The Opium Wars, Mongolian
Warlords, and certain discoveries such as gunpowder,
or trade such as silk, and Traders such as Marco Polo.
Therefore this short guide is designed to give you
a working knowledge of the most important developments
through time, without becoming embroiled in long lists
of Empires and things normal people may consider to
be unimportant in today’s world.
Modern History
Even the last 100 years of Chinese history would need
to be studied at Degree level in order to gain a proper
understanding and insight into this fascinating culture
and its peoples. Our condensed version is illuminating,
and details the main events of the last century, without
becoming embroiled in list of people and battles: You
can find it here
However, to understand Chinese peoples and their
culture, you do need to understand how they came to
be the way they are today. I also consider it important
to include interactions with others over the ages,
as this changes your perception of just who Chinese
people are and what they consider themselves to be.
This guide is based in readily checkable facts, but
we will develop this over the remainder of 2009. Later
this will include all Chinese cultures, especially those
that were contemporary with, but are always excluded
from traditional views of Chinese history
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This
information is as supplied by Wikipedia, as dated March
2009 or later, and/or other reliable sources.
Maps (Unless stated otherwise)
are provided in association with Thomas Lessman
Web: www.worldhistorymaps.info
Disclaimer:
Please check this information yourself as it may alter
without notice, and whilst we try our best to ensure
it is correct, please do not hold us responsible for
any errors - this is intended as a simple guide only |
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