Achievements of Ancient China (College 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. Give a strong thesis sentence in the beginning and an overall conclusion at the end. Develop your ideas clearly and use our own words, except when quoting directly from the sources. Use precise language, but don't use the same words over and over. Be sure to reference the sources by title or number when using details or facts directly from the sources
Newsela The Cultural Heights of China's Han Dynasty
Chinese Inventions Article-2.pdf
Mrs. Stevens (Elizabeth Stevens)
asked by
What is the most important achievement of Ancient China? This is a question that has sparked much debate among historians and scholars. Some argue that the Great Wall of China was the greatest achievement, while others believe that the invention of paper or the development of the Silk Road was more significant. However, after careful consideration of the sources, I believe that the most important achievement of Ancient China was the invention of gunpowder.
Gunpowder, also known as black powder, was a game-changer in ancient warfare. Its invention revolutionized military tactics and led to the development of advanced weapons such as cannons and rockets. According to the article "Chinese Inventions," gunpowder was first invented during the Tang Dynasty around the 9th century. It was made by combining sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter (potassium nitrate). This simple yet powerful concoction brought about a new era of warfare.
One potential counterargument to the claim that gunpowder was the most important achievement of Ancient China is the construction of the Great Wall. Some argue that the Great Wall was an engineering marvel that protected China from invasions and fostered unity among its people. However, while the Great Wall may have been an impressive feat of construction and a symbol of Chinese civilization, it did not have the same global impact as gunpowder. The invention of gunpowder not only changed the face of warfare in China but also had far-reaching consequences for civilizations around the world.
Gunpowder not only allowed the Chinese military to defend against invasions, but it also empowered them to conquer new territories. The article "The Cultural Heights of China's Han Dynasty" states that the Han Dynasty expanded its empire into Central Asia, Vietnam, and Korea thanks to its military advancements. This expansion resulted in the spread of Chinese culture, technology, and trade throughout these regions. Gunpowder played a crucial role in these conquests, as cannons and rockets were used to overpower enemy forces.
Furthermore, the invention of gunpowder had significant implications outside of the military sphere. According to the article "Chinese Inventions," gunpowder was used in fireworks, signaling devices, and even as a medicinal ingredient. The use of gunpowder in fireworks became a prominent part of Chinese culture, and this tradition spread to other parts of the world, including Europe. Moreover, gunpowder was also used in the development of early forms of explosions and pyrotechnics, paving the way for modern-day explosives and fireworks displays.
In conclusion, while there are many achievements of Ancient China that are worth celebrating, I believe that the invention of gunpowder was the most important. Gunpowder revolutionized warfare, leading to the development of advanced weapons and enabling military conquests. Its impact extended beyond the battlefield, influencing art, culture, and trade. The invention of gunpowder not only shaped the course of Chinese history but also left a lasting legacy on civilizations around the world.