...Willy Ngin AMAT 452: History of Mathematics Mathematical History of China and India Since the beginning of time mathematics has been a part of history. Throughout time without mathematics we wouldn’t have been able to make fundamental advances in science, engineering, technology and much more. Although every country has different histories, cultures and lifestyles; one thing that remains the same is the universal language of Mathematics. If you go to any country in the world, mathematics will always be the same. Addition will always be addition and subtraction will always be subtraction anywhere. Some of the countries who have been able to help further our discoveries and advances in mathematics were China and India. China’s history included many different wars which led to a lot of different dynasties taking over the country. Still, ”the demands of the empire for administrative services, including surveying, taxation, and calendar making, required that many civil servants be competent in certain areas of mathematics” (Katz, 2009, p. 197). It wasn’t until 1984 when they opened the tombs that they found some of the mathematic history. “Among the books was discovered a mathematics text written on 200 bamboo strips. This work, called the Suan shu shu (Book of Numbers and Computation), is the earliest extant text of Chinese mathematics.” (Katz, 2009, p. 196). This work was created during the Han Dynasty. It consisted of different problems and their solution. Alongside...
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...China was originally ruled by Manchu.However,the inability of Qing government had aroused social discontent.As a result,more and more people chose to engage in the revolutionary activities.Dr Sun Yat Sin,one of the leader of the revolutionaries,had initiated 1911 Revolution.So was 1911 Revolution a turning point of modern China history?To a large extent,I agree with this statement. To commence with,1911 Revolution had contributed to the end of the monarchical form of Chinese government.Before 1911 Revolution,China had been ruled by the monarchical form of government for over two thousand years.Emperor possessed the highest power in the country and the general public must show absolute obedience on his demand.People were deprived of their political rights as most of them were never granted a chance to become a government official.In the 1911 Revolution,Yuan Shikai,with his military power,forced the Qing emperor Xuantong to abdicate.All the previous Qing officials soon lost their political powers.With the downfall of Qing dynasty,the monarchical form of government seemed to come to an end.On 12 February 1912,268 years of Manchu rule ended.After 1911 Revolution,the head of the country was called president rather than emperor.Instead of monarchism,republicanism was practiced.Every Chinese could have a chance to vote for their leaders.People could also have a chance to speak up for themselves.Electoral elements were introduced to the political system.Comparing with the autocratic...
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...Prosperity: Fine China For centuries, the common theme of global politics and economics has been focused on the relative prosperity of the West compared to the rest of the world. It’s a trend with roots as early as the 15th century and that has characterized the world we live in today. In the 9th through the 14th century, however, China was starting to become one of the more prominent powerhouses in the world and played a major role on the international level in both politics and economics. China’s impressive strength during this time period insists that certain policies must have been put into place at the governmental level in order to spearhead the country into prosperity. To just credit this success to a more centralized approach than the rest of the world would be an unjust oversimplification of China’s illustrious history. Instead, we must look at China’s emphasis on both technological advancements and centralized business practices as the sources of their ensuing dominance in the several centuries prior to the arrival of Europeans in the Americas. While some say that just a general policy of centralization helped to spur Chinese advancement during this time period, it is actually more accurate to hone in on their reformative business practices as the most probable cause. As Abu-Lughod (1989) stresses, China’s reforms occurred both on a national and a global scale. Within borderlines, one of China’s first steps was to adopt paper money (especially in North China) by the end...
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...The history of the world is a very broad and extremely extensive topic to cover. There are literally endless amounts of information that one could write about for a world history coarse or textbook. Where one starts amidst the vast sea of our worlds history is a large part of where the coarse or text will go. For a coarse such as this one, based on modern world history with the emphasis on war and environmental and technical change we cannot start too far back on a timeline because otherwise we will never reach the modern history. As a starting point the middle ages works well because it gives us a slight background of the ancient worlds but is a very transitional time. Spending a short amount of time in the Middle Ages focusing mainly on the crusades and the kings of England and their reigns to get the reader or student interested. After discussing the middle ages, we would move on the exploration and colonization of the rest of the world. This is a major point and a larger amount of time should be placed here because first off there is much to cover with the Columbus discovery of north America followed by the sea route to India. Also because these are extremely important times because they are basically the start of the western world we know today. Around the same time period we have the war of the Roses followed by the Elizabethan age in Britain. Also, since it is world history and not simply western world history, there should be some emphasis on the Ming Dynasty,...
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...When I was little, I used to think a soldier meant bravery and courage, but later I realized I could be darkening the lives of many. If you were a soldier, given orders to kill someone by someone you don’t even know their name; would you even do it? Is that guy cold blooded? Is he responsible for the lost of that person’s life?Or he’ll just stand at the grave for respect and say some nice words? War is never the right path to take! Is war the right path to take? Hey Mr. politician! How much money have you spent? In fact the United States has spent over 4.4 trillion dollars since 2001 or over ¼ of its yearly budget. Why not help the 36 million homeless in Bangladesh. Or help the people of The Democratic Republic of the Congo from poverty, or send water filters to Dharavi in India; due to the lack of quality of water – over 100,000 deaths of children per year. In return of helping these penurious, inconsolable and despair people; we shall have a world of smiles not sorrow ad selfishness. . In an ancient Chinese book called ‘The Art of War’ said: “the best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities… It is best to win without fighting.” “There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.” Today, we are all linked together in a world, and we Must work together at times to solve...
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...The Ancient Chinese culture was a very successful culture that created many inventions and contributed to the advancement of not only the Chinese civilization but also to the civilization of the world. In the history of the world there has been many important inventions, Ancient Chinese were great inventors. This essay will point out some of the great inventions that Chinese culture introduced to the world. The impact that these inventions have made in our day to day lives and how without these inventions the world would have not enhanced and progress the way it has. These are eight inventions that Chinese has contributed to the world and their usefulness. ) Identify eight to ten of these useful inventions or contributions. . The top ten inventions and contributions and inventions by the Ancient Chinese included: the wheelbarrow, seismograph, paper, compass, gun powder, map, glazed pottery, hot air balloons, and silk. The ten most useful contributions that the ancient Chinese made in our contemporary society were: paper money, kites, iron and bronze, gunpowder, printing press, umbrellas, clocks, compasses, porcelain, and alcohol (Yinke, 2009). (2) Nominate four that you believe are the most ingenious or innovative. However, out of those ten, the four most significant innovations are paper money, gunpowder, printing press, and clocks. (3) Explain why you believe these four inventions or contributions are the most useful inventions or contributions from the ancient Chinese...
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...Since the beginning of recorded history, we have seen many different civilizations from all around the world. Some civilizations are still present till this day and continue to grow while others have fallen. Out of all civilizations in history, Chinese history is the longest lasting as it goes back to more than 3000 years. Out of all Chinese history, Ancient China is the most remembered. Ancient China’s great wisdom enabled them to become one of the most successful civilizations. This was proven through their flourishing economy, organized political structure and modern innovations. The mark of every new dynasty would be the mark of a new economic advancement for the ancient Chinese civilization. The Han dynasty is when we first see Ancient China economically flourish because of their clever tactics. In the Han dynasty they created what is called the Silk Road, which enabled trading from China to neighbouring countries such as Greece, India, The Persian Empire, and Rome. This Silk Road enabled them to trade silk and import gold which expanded their trade greatly. The Silk Road also helped in providing new cultural ideas to ancient China from other civilizations to further improve. Another resource that promoted the growth of the industry in Han China was Iron. Iron weapons equipped the imperial army and iron tools also helped produce the grain that helped feed the soldiers. The Silk Road enabled ancient China to expand its economic powers by trading north, south, east and west...
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...Society like Qing China had an influential ideology in making laws which is Confucianism. Specifically in this paper, I will focus on Chastity law in Qing China. Most of scholars, who had previous studies about the law, had written from the viewpoint of state that is based on patriarchal system. It makes sense somehow because states were the lawmakers and law was exercised as an instrument to control and maintain the state power at that time. So, in this paper, I would like to see the chastity law from the view point of women because I study that there is gender inequality and the consequence problems of chastity law in Qing society. I also think that the Qing law served the interest of the women of the rich household but not the poor women. For example, it is hard for a common widow to survive while keeping chastity since they are economically weak. In one study, it mentions that the widow populations were dramatically increasing dynasty by dynasty in China since 17th century. Thus, at one glance, chastity law seemed to be successful in its application to society. However, I do not think that the rise of widow population means the chastity law is perfect. Thus, my hypothesis is that whether the widows really satisfied with chastity law that was strictly imposed on them. In other words, I would examine whether all widows follow the chastity law or not. Also, I would also examine that weather the chastity law is the protection of widows or not. In case of poor widows, they might...
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...Introduction Professor Elvin renders Chinese history through an economic perspective instead of using the common dynastic classification by attempting to answer three questions: -What contributed to the continuity of the Chinese empire? -Why was the Chinese economy the most advanced in the world from the Song dynasty (960-1279) up until the latter half of the Qing dynasty (mid-1800's)? -Why did China fail to maintain her technological advantage after the mid-fourteenth century while advancing economically? Part One In the first section of the book, the author elucidates the staying power of the Chinese empire was due to the following factors. The economics of defense in relation to the size of empire and the power of its neighbors never became an extreme burden that it rendered the state impotent for any consecutively long period of time. It was always able to reformulate itself after a short disunity or rule by a foreign power of the whole, which only happened twice within a two thousand year period (Mongol and Manchu rule). Two other factors that contributed to the continuity of the Chinese state include a relatively isolated existence from the rest of the Eurasian landmass and the important placed on cultural unity, beginning with the first emperor's destruction of local records in order to quell local loyalties (pp.21-22). Both of these factors had been built up over time through a revolution in communication and transportation. Part Two The second section of the book...
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...1 ANCIENT CHINA 1 Introduction and General Remarks for Ancient China Ancient civilizations of the Egyptians and Mesopotamians have long disappeared, but Ancient Chinese civilization and its transformation to modern times has lasted as the largest and most enduring one in human history. This is even more remarkable when observing the numerous leitmotifs of the Chinese society that were inaugurated so long ago, and many of these themes still resonate today. Ancestral worship, the Mandate of Heaven, and the numerous philosophical ideas, especially of Confucius, have been practiced or used for thousands of years. Remote and mysterious are two adjectives that Western Society has applied to China until recently. China is the only civilization where western thought had no influence until modern times, and also practically the only large region in the world where western men never ruled. For westerners, Chinese customs seem reversed to theirs. White is the color of mourning for the Chinese not black, and for them the left side is one of honor not the right side. Writing is read vertically from the top right-hand corner downward. These few differences reveal that Chinese culture evolved independently of western influences. One can only marvel at the longevity of Chinese civilization. Influence of Geography 2 Geography has played an important role in Chinese History as in most ancient, medieval, and modern cultures. While 85% of China is arid or inaccessible steppes...
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...Urban of Ancient Chine: Xi’an City 1. Physical Geography and History of Development The name of Xi’an city reflects its relative location in China. Literally, Xi’an means “peace in the west” in Chinese and it located in the central west part of China in the Wei River valley with Qinling Mountains in the South and Loess Plateau in the North. The Wei River has its source in the mountainous area in Western China and flows eastward into the Yellow River. The Wei River valley was largely formed by the deposition of loess that washed off the plateau to the north (G. Brent Hall and Ji Dong Zhang, 116). The climate in this area is temperate and humid. The spring and early summer are the dry time and most of the precipitation is between May and October. The fertile and abundance of arable lands together with the temperate climate gave birth to the early Chinese civilization and the rise of Zhou people, who established their reign in northern China. Later, China was divvied into seven independent states, thus entering the Warring States Period (476B.C. ~ 221B.C.). Xi’an, as the capital of Qin, has great advantage in terms of national security. Surrounded by mountains and hills, Xi’an was only able to be reached by forces from Northern China Plain by entering the narrow pass near the confluence of Wei River and Yellow River. According to Chinese history document, Shi Ji, literally means “Historical Records”, the other six states launched two separate joint operations against Qin’s expansion...
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...thousands of years. It is known that China has an ancient and well known history which traces back to Chinese culture. Ancient Chinese inventions and contributions have contributed to America’s society by helping jobs to exist, fighting wars and the everyday life of a modern society today. Ancient China has contributed to ancient and modern society in many ways. I will identify nine of ancient China contributions and inventions that we still use today. Row Planting was the planting of crops in rows sometime in the 6th century. This technique allows the crops to grow faster and stronger. Farmers normally would adhere to this. The Seed Drill was another invention that was used in 202 BC – 220 AD. The Seed Drill is used to plant seeds into the soil at a uniform depth and covers it. I’m pretty sure this has save abundant amounts of time out in the fields. Many years ago and in modern time, people planted and grew all their vegetables. Not to mention if someone does not grow it, we will not have it. Growing is the only way to produce fruits and vegetables, so this invention in a good one. Toilet paper was another invention and great contribution. One of the first recorded accounts of using hygienic paper was during the Sui Dynasty in 589. In ancient Chinese history, I recall the wealthy or the upper class was none to use toilet paper for hygienic purposes. People today use toilet paper all over the world. In China Alcohol is called “The Water of History”. The stories of alcohol can...
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...and society were the Sui, Tang and Song dynasties. Each of these dynasties were significant into further building and creating China. Two out of three succeeded. Sui Dynasty was the second shortest dynasty, lasted only 38 years. The Tang Dynasty lasted almost 300 years and helped continue to improve China based on the results of the Sui Dynasty. The Song Dynasty followed after lasting only a few years because there was too much to do in order to fix the ruins from the downfall of the Tang Dynasty. The Sui Dynasty began in 581 and ended in 618. During the 38 years it lasted there were three different emperors who all made significant changes. After the tyrannical second emperor Yang Jian the nation was reunified and certain economic advances were achieved during that period. Due to the reunification of Sui Dynasty society became more peaceful and stable which provided room for social, political and economic growth. During the beginning of economical growth there was an agricultural increase as well as the skill industry making changes by expanding their services. The commerce was prospering in order to develop the national economy which started a major change in the economy of that time. Politically new systems were formed to helped govern the people better. Three Departments and Six Ministries was established this was the first in Chinese history. Through this system, the royal power was enhanced and the work sgh more section of the court became completed through more detail...
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...Journal 1 Maggie Liu ENGL107901 Lynne Anderson My hometown is a country of a long history. Five thousand years of growth has turned Chinese culture into a broad and profound museum that concludes countless poets, plays and other spiritual inheritance. Chinese born and Chinese bred, I’m deeply immersed in my hometown’s cultural background and that I’m proud of all the literature works that my ancestors have left for us. When I was a little kid, I was required to recite those real famous poems so that I could have a better understanding of how ancient people expressed their love, hatred, sorrow, and happiness. When Chinese characters were combined in different ways, beautiful sentences would turn up and I enjoyed all the tricks in them. Also manners of writing had everything to do with the poets’ integrity and righteousness. When I was reading great works that were blaming traitors who sold out our motherland, I was shocked and ignited by the fire of fury. Usually an integrated poet could do nothing except writing passages or poets to let off just because fatuous emperors would always listen to ideas of sycophants, which eventually led the country to disaster. However, works from these sycophants were not preserved or passed down to today for the simple reason that Chinese culture would not tolerate these evil winds blow. For over a thousand years, more and more people began to pay attention to these fabulous spiritual works. With great ancestors being idols for...
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...China is the world’s most continuous major civilization and had gone through many changes in their early years. The Sui, Tang and Song dynasties played a major role in transforming the political, economic and social structure of the country. Each dynasty incorporated policies that changed the landscape and affected the people of China. The Sui Dynasty had two distinct periods of rule and each had a lasting and profound effect on his people. Wen Ti was the first to rule and saw him enact a new set of strategies that would benefit the Chinese people in all facets of their lives. Ti introduced a tax reduction, a land allocation system and a census to address equitable and fair tax collection. These components working in concert with each other allowed for citizens to become more involved in commerce and ultimately drove the growth of the Chinese economy. Wen Ti’s son Yang was next to rule and similar to his father added to the country’s growth through innovative projects. His largest contribution was the construction of the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal opened the entire country form North to South, this passage way served as a key source in the movement of crops and goods throughout the country. For most of its history, China had a very sparse population in the South and The Grand Canal allowed for the movement of people throughout the entire country, this was key to the growth of the economy, growing the tax base and making rule easier in the entire country. The...
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