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220
Fall of the Han Dynasty
The Han dynasty was breaking down due to warlords fighting each other for control. After the death of Cao Cao, the emperor Xian was forced to give up his position. This led to the official ending of the Han dynasty. -
581
The Grand Canal
The Grand Canal was initially built in 468 BC. People started using it again in 581 because it was an easier and faster way to transport goods. The Canal ran from Beijing to Zhejiang. -
581
Rise of the Sui Dynasty
The Sui Dynasty is known for being the first dynasty that reunified China after the fall of the Han dynasty. It brought Southern and Northern dynasties together and stopped the division. It was a short-lived Chinese imperial dynasty. -
618
Fall of the Sui Dynasty
The dynasty fell due to internal and external problems. The external issues were that there was a lot of taxation and forced labor. The internal problem was that the military was too big and was a high cost. -
639
Silk Road
The Tang Dynasty used the Silk Road to gain new technology. Trading on the Silk Road was peaceful and secure. Merchants, traders, and pilgrims came from East and Central Asia. -
648
Rise of the Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty is thought to be a revival of the Han Dynasty. It created a high point in Chinese culture and power. Cultural Chinese ideas and influences spread around the world by the Silk Road. -
907
Fall of the Tang Dynasty
There was internal rebellion throughout the empire. Military governors would gain much power and not act with the central government. There was forced labor and heavy taxation. There was a constant threat of invasions from nomadic tribes. Droughts and floods affect social and economic conditions. All of these played a role in the fall fo the Tang Dynasty. -
960
Rise of the Song Dynasty
It was divided into Northern Song and Southern Song. It is known for its cultural and technological achievements. It had a lasting impact on the world and Chinese civilization. -
1023
Paper Money
As trade increased, there was a higher demand for more money. The idea was suggested by merchants. So instead of having to carry around so many coins, they invented the paper money. Marco polo brought the idea back to Europe. -
1206
Rise of the Mongol Empire
There was a lot of expansion and unification of tribes. Mongols were known for their military strategies. The Mongol Empire became the largest empire in history. -
1279
Fall of the Song Dynasty
There were a lot of political and bureaucratic problems. The Mongol Empire invaded the Song Dynasty. the siege of Xiangyang was one of the main reasons the empire fell. The Mongol Empire used strategic warfare that led to them capturing the city. -
1279
Rise of the Yuan Dynasty
Ruled over China at the time that there was significant cultural and economic growth. It marked the unification of China under the Mongol rule. The most notable figure that established the Yuan Dynasty was Kublai Khan. -
1331
Black Death
The Black Death was a bubonic plague pandemic. The Black Death arrived at China through the silk road. There was thought to be a death poll of 13 million people by 1333. -
1368
Fall of the Yuan Dynasty
Mongols would favor their own people rather then the whole dynasty. This led to internal corruption. The military struggled to maintain control over the empire and this led to rebellions. -
1368
Rise of the Ming Dynasty
Under Zhu Yuanzhang, the Ming Dynasty was able to expand its territory and its power. It is often considered a golden age for China. The Zheng He voyages impacted the Ming Dynasty and benefited the dynasty. -
1368
Fall for the Mongol Empire
The Mongol Empire was very large, so it was hard to defend and control it all. The empire relied heavily on trade routes. After the empire was fragmented, the trade routes were not as secure anymore. These are just a few reasons why the Mongol Empire fell. -
1368
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China was built over several centuries. The most famous parts were built during the Ming dynasty. The Ming emperors renovated it to defend invasions from Mongols and northern tribes. -
1403
Zheng He's Voyages
The main goal of he Voyages was to establish he Chinese presence, control marine trade, and extend the tributary system. The voyages helped establish trade routes around the world. China was then able to trade goods and knowledge with other countries, which allowed them to grow as a civilization. -
1433
Abandonment of Zheng He's voyages
After the emperor Yongle dies the voyages stopped. There was a concern about the costs of the voyages. It was believed that the voyages had done their job so there was no need to continue with them. -
Fall of the Ming Dynasty
The fall was due to external and internal factors. Economic troubles exacerbated by natural disasters and agricultural failures led to the fall of the Ming Dynasty. An upsurge in peasants led to heavy taxation and famine.