Macro Chinese History -- The Age of Prosperity Volume

Author: Zhang Naidong et al
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-10-01
Features: In the long history of the rise and fall of dynasties in China, there have been numerous periods of prosperity as well as equally numerous periods of decline and chaos. The trajectory of historical development resembles the undulating course of a vast river, with peaks and troughs following one another, both magnificent and awe-inspiring, leaving later generations filled with reflections. The rise and fall of dynasties seem to follow an unchanging pattern: from their establishment to the mid-period, most dynasties can experience a period of prosperity. During this time, the political environment is relatively clear, the economy flourishes, the state is wealthy and the people are at peace, and society is stable and prosperous. However, prosperity often leads to sudden decline. After the brilliance fades, what follows is a completely different scene. As the ages pass and we look back at the past glories and declines, we find that dividing periods of prosperity and decline solely based on time is not as straightforward as one might imagine. What this book can do is only roughly summarize the common characteristics shared by several prosperous periods as markers of prosperity.