Les-2-China and East Asia

Question 1

Warring states period

Answer 1

475 - 251 BCE
China was not unified at all - it was disintegrated in 7 competing polities, which did not accept each others powers.

This resulted in intense competition, including military competition.

Question 2

How can the intense competition during the warring states period be compared to the balance of power in 19th century Europe?

Answer 2

Each of the polities wanted to expand, but they all shared borders. This then developed into military competition. For a long time, these states were equal in power but at one point Qin became the more dominant state.

The others did not accept the powers of the state. To respond to the Qin dominance, the others started to organize themselves by developing political military strategies.

Comparison balance of power in Europe: by increasing their political military strategies, the states kept each other in check.

Question 3

The warring states period was a period of intense and often violent political-military competition. Yet, it was a period in which China flourished.

How is this possible?

Answer 3

1. Innovation: polities were trying to outcompete eachother, driving innnovation. However: only possible when warfare is limited, not total.
2. Political competition spurred economic development
3. Political (military) competition spurred intellectual creativity

Question 4

How does political competition spur economic development?

Answer 4

They needed to develop weapon systems, whcih can serve to boost the economy.

To become a better, more performative and efficient state, they needed financial resources. This led to the creation of a functioning tax system, for which they needed an advanced administrative apparatus. Those taxes were then used for the military, which in turn boosted the economy.

Question 5

How does political (military) competition spur intellectual creativity?

Answer 5

During this period, the rulers of the seven polities were desperate for advice on how to rule/organise states. This is how several schools of thought were developed in China during this time.

Most famous is confucianism, more influential was legalism.