Achievements of Ancient China (Above Grade Level)
As a contribution to the website your history class is creating, you decide to write an argumentative essay that explores the greatest achievement of Ancient China. Your essay will be displayed on the website and will be read by students, teachers, and parents who visit the website.
Your assignment is to use the sources to write a multi-paragraph argumentative essay about what you believe is the most important achievement of Ancient China. Make sure you establish an argumentative claim, address potential counterarguments, and support your claim from the sources you have read. Develop your ideas clearly and use our own words, except when quoting directly from the sources. Be sure to reference the sources by title or number when using details or facts directly from the sources.
Using the aritcle from Newsela called the cultural heights of china's han dynasty
as a source, it is evident that one of the most important achievements of Ancient China was the development of a highly advanced and sophisticated cultural civilization during the Han Dynasty. This achievement had a lasting impact on not only China but also on neighboring countries and even the world. The Han Dynasty’s cultural achievements include advancements in various fields such as literature, philosophy, the arts, and technology.
One of the significant achievements of the Han Dynasty was the development of a rich and diverse literary tradition. According to the article, the Han Dynasty produced remarkable works of poetry, history, and philosophy, which greatly influenced subsequent generations. For example, the famous book "Records of the Grand Historian" by Sima Qian provided a comprehensive account of China's history, serving as a valuable reference for future historians. This shows that the Han Dynasty had a profound influence on the development of historical writing.
Moreover, the Han Dynasty made significant advancements in the field of philosophy. The article mentions that Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism were the three prominent schools of thought during this period. These philosophies shaped the moral, social, and political values of Chinese society for centuries to come. Confucianism, in particular, emphasized the importance of social harmony, filial piety, and respect for one's elders. These principles continue to be highly valued in Chinese culture even today.
Additionally, the Han Dynasty witnessed remarkable achievements in the arts. According to the article, the period saw the development of various art forms such as painting, pottery, and calligraphy. The renowned Han Dynasty mural paintings featured detailed scenes of daily life, mythical creatures, and landscapes. These paintings not only served as decorative elements but also provided insights into the beliefs and values of the Han Dynasty society. Furthermore, the development of calligraphy as an artistic form of writing became highly esteemed and continues to be influential in Chinese culture.
Furthermore, the Han Dynasty's achievements extended to the field of technology as well. The article explains that the period saw significant progress in the fields of agriculture, engineering, and medicine. For instance, the development of the seed drill greatly increased agricultural productivity, allowing for the cultivation of a larger quantity of crops. Additionally, the invention of the horse collar and the watermill contributed to advancements in transportation and the processing of goods. These technological advancements not only improved the quality of life for the people of ancient China but also set the foundation for future innovations.
Some may argue that military achievements, such as the development of the crossbow or the establishment of a vast empire, were the most important achievements of Ancient China. While it is true that military achievements were significant, they do not compare to the far-reaching and long-lasting impact of the cultural achievements during the Han Dynasty. The literary, philosophical, artistic, and technological advancements of the Han Dynasty shaped Chinese society for centuries to come and continue to influence the world today.
In conclusion, the most important achievement of Ancient China was the cultural heights reached during the Han Dynasty. The literary, philosophical, artistic, and technological achievements of this period had a profound and lasting impact on Chinese civilization. China's rich literary tradition, its influential philosophical schools of thought, its artistic masterpieces, and its technological advancements have all contributed to the cultural legacy that has shaped not only China but also the world. The achievements of the Han Dynasty showcase the remarkable cultural advancements of Ancient China and their significance cannot be overstated.
Sources:
- Newsela article "The Cultural Heights of China's Han Dynasty"