Macro Chinese History: The Age of Prosperity Volume

Author: Zhang Naidong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-10-01
Features: In the long history of the rise and fall of dynasties in China, there have been many periods of prosperity as well as an equal number of declines and chaotic times. The trajectory of historical development is like a vast river with waves rising and falling, both magnificent and leaving later generations in awe. The rise and fall of dynasties seem to follow an unchanging pattern: most dynasties, from their inception to the mid-point of their rule, can experience a period of prosperity. During this time, the dynasty's politics is relatively clear, the economy flourishes, the nation is wealthy and the people are at peace, and society is stable and prosperous. However, prosperity often leads to sudden decline, and after the brilliance comes another scene. As the ages pass and the rise and fall of dynasties come to an end, when we look back at the past glories and declines, we find that dividing what are called "prosperous" and "decline" periods simply by time is not as easy as imagined. What this book can do is only to roughly summarize the common characteristics that exist in several prosperous periods as the signs of prosperity.