The+Rise+of+the+Tang+Dynasty+-+Essay

Rise of the Tang Dynasty - Essay (with music ☺) by Cathy Zheng

The Sui Empire was a period of many glorious accomplishments. ([])Some said that the Sui Dynasty was brought to its fall by its late emperor Yang Di’s cruelty to the people and his dissipation of money, but according to historical documents, he simply followed his father Yang Jian (the previous emperor)’s policies. ([]) What really undermined the Sui dynasty was its unstable political/government regulations, and the decentralization of power which gave the powerful landlords and mility officers excess power. The poor political/government regulations is just what was needed for the rise of the Tang Dynasty, and likewise, it also played an important role in the prosperity and formidable power of the Tang Dynasty. __Our world today can learn from the rise of the Tang Dynasty that an effective political system, wise authorities, and strong foreign relations can greatly benefit nations today.__

First, following the Sui Dynasty’s footsteps, the Tang Dynasty made several new reforms that set out to solve problems that had constantly afflicted the state in the past. The establishment of the imperial examination system gave talented intellectuals born in poor families the opportunity to be employed by the court. This worked to disperse the power of aristocracts within the central government to help suppress overpowering royal families. The equal-field system and the ZuoYongDiao system ensured a promising amount of land to everyone and lowered the tax burndens for the peasants, this improves the production efficiency and induces agriculture development. The Double Taxation System was then introduced when the time and economic circumstances changed. ([]) Different measures need to be taken at different times, policies have to be changed to make what’s most effective for the rapidly changing society. Military reforms were also made. Conscription by the government replaced private-owned militaries. This enforced the authority and power of the central government and prevented the overpowering of private owned military power.

Second, a wise monarch and an incorrupt court was also vital for the Tang’s prosperity. A good example was the Zhen Guan Reign. Tang Tang TaiZong/Li Shi Min was very strict with his officers and local administrators. He often made personal inspections on their work, promoting the competent and demoting the neglectful, with no preference based on ethnic or social status. The emeperors of the Tang Dynasty were very good at using the talents of different officers to their advantage, intelluectuals like WeiZheng and warriors like XueRenGui all made great contribution to the rise of the Tang dynasty. This reflects the importance of education in today’s society, education is what will get our future generations going. Education is going to be the source of wisdom of tomorrow’s society. Wise advices were taken from officers and generals while enforcing the law, establishing a peaceful social order. Emperors like TangZong, XuanZong, and Empress Wu implemented policies that were in the interest of the people. (e.g. tax reduction, supporting agriculture, water conserving projects, etc.) The important fact was recognized that the strength and stability of an empire depended on the support of the people. ([]) “//The Monarch is a boat and his subjects are the water. Water carries the boat, but can also capsize it//.” -Emperor Tang XuanZong A good government will not operate unless it has the support of its people, which is why democratic voting is so important in today’s society. Through democracy, the voices and opinions of the masses can be heard, and thus, the system and regulations of the society will be supported by its people.

Finally, the integration and incorporation of new ideas and lifestyles gave the Tang Empire the evolution into a cosmopolitan state. With confidence, the Tang Empire opened its doors to foreign people and culture. The discrimination between the Chinese and the foreign was broken down. The Tang empire used ethnic and foreign relations to its full advantage. This is was very important for promoting trade with other nations. Good public relations also helped prevent conflicts and warfares. Through the protectorate system, the Tang indirectly controlled various kingdoms and states. The empire also culturally influenced some of its neighbours, Korea and Japan. Spreading the idea of one’s own culture is important in that it helps spread your nation’s ideas and policies globally, so that other nations may be assimilated to yours. In addition, several Tang princesses were married to other state leaders to enhance the feeling of nations as a family. Cultural and economical exchange between Tang and Tubo greatly accelerated and enhanced after the marriage of WenCheng Princess and Songtsan Gambo, a young Tubo (now Tibetan) leader. ([])

In conclusion, the Tangs rose and prospered because of many different reasons, and from these thoughts and ideas our society today can learn that suitable regulation systems, wise authorities, and harmonious public relations can greatly benefit our society today. Nations fall, and others rise, it is a perpetual cycle. Whether the best is made out of our nation depends on if we can learn from the successes and mistakes of others and apply the benefits to our own society, culture and world.

Other Sources:

Adshead, Samuel Adrian M. T'ang China: the rise of the East in world history pages 37-43 78-79. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire; New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004. Capon, Edmund. Tang China: vision and splendour of a golden age pages22-28. Echoes of the Ancient World. London: Macdonald Orbis, 1989. Chua, Amy. Day of empire : how hyperpowers rise to global dominance--and why they fall. Doubleday, 2008.

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