Basically we had to come up with our own topic with the realm of East Asia. We also had to keep it before the 20th century.
I have decided to write on Political Factionalism in the Yi Dynasty. It's a mother load of a paper, 2500/3000 words.
I was thinking of dividing it up into causes practices and effects. I am trying to work on my intro, which I know is super messy right now. But any help will be appreciated!
1) Is my organization for my essay (causes, practices, and effects) going to be a stellar way to organize my essay?
2) Can you look over whatever I have for my intro so far (below).
Thank you!!
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The Korean peninsula has a long and interesting history with political factionalism. Traditionally, power was concentrated in the hands of the king who appointed individuals to the posts within the government bureaucracy. However, with the establishment of the Yi dynasty, which was a usurping dynasty, power became more of a free for all. The officers who helped overthrow the outgoing Goryeo dynasty were the first up to grab power. In contrast, the individuals who were against the establishment of the Yi dynasty went into seclusion. It is important to note that these intellectuals were the basis for forming political factions later within the dynasty. Before the splintering of the bureaucracy within the Yi Dynasty is examined, it is important to look further into Korea’s past and see what the status quo was with regards to the government system. Korea, being China’s Little Brother, imported many of the ideas and structures found in China. The concentration of power within the hands of a king is one of the structures taken from China. This centralization had kept Korea quite strong and relatively free from foreign invasion and occupation. With the decentralization of power, it then follows that Korea became more susceptible to foreign offensives. The big rift the established political factions within the Koreans political system happened in 1575 – (20 words explaining). It dealt with the question of succession – an issue that has historically been a contentious issue. It is important to note that the year 1575 is almost two centuries after the initial establishment of the Yi dynasty. This is not to say that long term causes of political factionalism were not already playing out or entrenched within Korean society. One of these long-term causes has been deemed to be the revolutionary nature of the establishment of the Yi dynasty.
1) Organizing your essay into causes, practices, and effects can be a strong way to structure your paper. This approach allows you to examine the reasons behind political factionalism, explore its various manifestations and practices, and analyze the consequences and impacts of factionalism in the Yi Dynasty. By following this organization, you will provide a comprehensive and systematic analysis of your topic.
2) Your introductory paragraph is quite detailed and touches upon important points. However, it can be further refined and structured to provide a clear and concise overview of your essay. Here's a revised version that may help:
"In the history of the Korean peninsula, political factionalism has played a significant role, particularly during the Yi Dynasty. Unlike the previously centralized power under the king, the establishment of the Yi Dynasty led to a more diverse and competitive distribution of power. Those who aided in overthrowing the outgoing Goryeo dynasty were the first to seize power, while dissenting intellectuals retreated from the establishment. These intellectuals, however, would eventually form the basis for political factions within the dynasty. To understand the splintering of the bureaucracy within the Yi Dynasty, we must first examine Korea's historical government system, heavily influenced by China. The centralization of power in the hands of the king had historically protected Korea from foreign invasions. However, with the decentralization of power, Korea became more vulnerable to external threats. The emergence of political factions within the Korean political system can be traced back to a pivotal event in 1575 – the contentious issue of succession. It is important to note that this event was almost two centuries after the initial establishment of the Yi dynasty, indicating that long-term causes of political factionalism were already present in Korean society. One such cause can be attributed to the revolutionary nature of the Yi dynasty's establishment."
By revising your introduction, you provide a clearer context for your essay, establish the significance of political factionalism in the Yi Dynasty, and create a smooth transition into the subsequent sections of your paper.
1) Yes, organizing your essay into causes, practices, and effects is a great way to structure your paper. This approach allows you to present a clear and logical progression of ideas. By identifying the causes of political factionalism, exploring the practices that emerged as a result, and discussing the effects on the Yi Dynasty, you will provide a comprehensive analysis of the topic.
2) Here is a revised version of your introduction:
"The Korean peninsula has a rich history of political factionalism, particularly during the Yi Dynasty. Unlike previous periods where power was concentrated in the hands of the king, the establishment of the Yi dynasty brought about a new era of political competition. The officers who aided in the overthrow of the Goryeo dynasty were the first to seize power, while those opposed to the new dynasty withdrew from public life. These intellectuals would later form the basis for the political factions that emerged within the Yi Dynasty.
To fully understand the splintering of the bureaucracy during this period, it is crucial to examine the historical context of Korea's government system. As China's 'Little Brother,' Korea adopted many ideas and structures from its larger neighbor, including the centralization of power in the hands of the king. This centralized system had kept Korea relatively strong and protected from foreign invasions and occupations. However, with the decentralization of power under the Yi Dynasty, Korea became more susceptible to external threats.
The major rift leading to the establishment of political factions within Korea's political system occurred in 1575, centering around the contentious issue of succession. This event, though two centuries after the initial establishment of the Yi Dynasty, highlights the long-standing tensions and causes of political factionalism which were already deeply embedded in Korean society.
One significant long-term cause of political factionalism is the revolutionary nature of the Yi Dynasty's establishment. This upheaval further fueled power struggles and rivalries within the political landscape of Korea."
Remember to revise and tailor this introduction to fit the specific arguments and evidence you plan to present in your essay.