Changes and Continuities in China from 100 C.E. to 600 C.E.

Changes and Continuities in China from 100 C.E. to 600 C.E.

At 200 B. C.E. the Han began to control China, however by 220 C.E. the Han fell, and power began to shift. Throughout the course of Chinese history from 100 C.E. to 600 C.E. many changes occurred. However throughout those changes some characteristics stayed constants. While the ruling power shifted from the Han and other dynasties religions also changed, as Buddhism was introduced to society. Throughout these changes, the Chinese still maintained their Confucian beliefs. such as the Mandate of Heaven.

There are multiple reasons why a dynasty falls. One of which being the dynasty runs out of leaders. In various points throughout Chinese history dynasties fell as a result of the descendants inability to maintain the power. Dynasties also fall as a result of revolts. For example in the Han dynasty, there was a high level of internal corruption and as a result the dynasty fell in 220 C.E. Han had a centralized bureaucracy, and followed Confucian ideology. After the fall of the Han China was separated into three states. This was know as the Warring States Period. Later on in 581 C.E. power shifts again, and China is unified under the Sui dynasty. The Sui focused on the building of the Great Canal, and eliminating taxes, and Each of these dynasties fell for different reasons. The shift of power was not only a change itself, but also brought adjustments to society. The shift of power affected all aspects of Chinese society because each power was different from another. From laws to foreign relations, shift in power amended China from 100 C.E. to 600 C.E. Not only power shift, but religion changed too.

The basis of Chinese culture was Confucianism, but as China went through periods of instability it was more susceptible to change in religion. As a result of this age of instability Buddhism was introduced because it offered a way to govern society, and a stable guide to life. It was around 300 C.E. that China went through this time of instability. Buddhism was introduced and this was a huge change for society. Buddhism brought about large changes because of the differences it has with Doaism and Confucianism. For example Daoism emphasizes sticking to society, letting the world and nature run its course without objectify. Buddhism considered everyone to be equal. The religion followed an eight fold path, to reach nirvana. Buddhism changed society and culture because it influenced people to follow this eight fold path. It also influenced people to spread knowledge around the world. Neo- confucianism is a philosophy centered around morals and this. Buddhism changed Neo-Confucianism as it loaned idea's and terms from Buddhism. Due to the fact that these religions were more than just religions, they were considered a way of life. In that respect with the introduction of a new religion it not only changed the focus of religion but society