WW Chapter 8: China and the World

     We start off by being told that China is the next superpower in today's world. This is more than a prediction. I believe this is an inevitable reality. Over the past couple years China has grown in every imaginable way. They have a stronger military, its economy is on a roll, its population grows exponentially, you name it. However, the most important aspect of their growth would probably go to their interaction with world affairs. They have, what seems to be, a really good relationship with the United States in terms of trading resources. They are well on their way to becoming one of, if not, the most powerful superpowers of the modern world.
     China was a huge part of the third wave civilizations. It was the central power that was composed of the majority of Eastern Asia, which had borders that spread as far as Central Asia. Being a wealthy civilization, it attracted many travelers. It was as if every civilization around China was focused on them and looked at them for guidance. China's economic and technological advancement spread through much of Eurasia.
     The Golden Age of China began with the Sui Dynasty. However, it did not last very long (589-618). This was due to the rulers of the Sui Dynasty' ruthlessness and the misuse of their resources. The rulers at the time expanded the canal system that was being used in China.
     The Tang and Song Dynasties would be the ones to follow the Sui Dynasty. These dynasties would implement a lifestyle that would last well into the twentieth century. This was coincidentally around when the Golden Age for arts and literature was around. Confucianism was revived, but this time it would incorporate elements of Daoism and Buddhism.
     There was a surplus in the population during this time period. China was very urbanized in comparison to other places in the world. As I mentioned before, it had a great canal system that also included lakes and rivers. Due to its huge size, people were given cheap ways of transporting from one place to another.
     Inventing was huge during this time period. Gunpowder was one of the inventions of the time. In addition to that, China was capable of the best navigation and had the luxury of having the best shipbuilding technology worldwide. This was also during the time that printing was invented.
     Although this was a very prosperous time for most people, it was not the same for women. With the exception of a couple "elite women" in the north, women were greatly oppressed. Things such as foot binding and being restricted to the house were a couple of the things that women had to face during these times. Many women found different roles in the cities. There was a spike in demand for concubines, entertainers, and prostitutes. However, there were a few benefits to women. Their property rights expanded and perhaps their biggest advancement was that they received a good education; even if it was only to help raise their sons as best they could.