In the long history of China, there were up and down of Chinese dynasties. Some were very impressive like Han and Tang. These dynasties were considered the strongest and richest country in the world. Even in such a strong dynasty, they also faced economic downturn, and with several bad managements, the dynasty ended and was overthrown by another new dynasty.
For “weak” dynasty, like Song, they also had their moments of glory. In turn of economic achievements, cultural developments, Song has her place in history.
So what do they tell us? And what can we learn from them?
Chinese historians have categorized Chinese history into 3 periods:
Ancient China: period before 1840 (the start of the Opium war).
Near Modern China: between 1840 and 1919 – the May 4 movements.
Modern China: After 1919, especially 1921 the establishment year of Chinese Communists’ Party. However, it can also be 1911, the end of Qing dynasty and the formation of Republic of China.
However, many historians also like to arrange Chinese history according to dynasty. Hence, the History Timeline of China can be divided into:
Dates Dynasty
ca. 2000-1500 B.C. Xia
1700-1027 B.C. Shang
1027-771 B.C. Western Zhou
770-221 B.C. Eastern Zhou
770-476 B.C. -- Spring and Autumn period
475-221 B.C. -- Warring States period
221-207 B.C. Qin
206 B.C.-A.D. 9 Western Han
A.D. 9-24 Xin (Wang Mang interregnum)
A.D. 25-220 Eastern Han
A.D. 220-280 Three Kingdoms
220-265 -- Wei
221-263 -- Shu
229-280 -- Wu
A.D. 265-316 Western Jin
A.D. 317-420 Eastern Jin
A.D. 420-588 Southern and Northern Dynasties
420-588 Southern Dynasties
420-478 -- Song
479-501 -- Qi
502-556 -- Liang
557-588 -- Chen
386-588 Northern Dynasties
386-533 -- Northern Wei
534-549 -- Eastern Wei
535-557 -- Western Wei
550-577 -- Northern Qi
557-588 -- Northern Zhou
A.D. 581-617 Sui
A.D. 618-907 Tang
A.D. 907-960 Five Dynasties
907-923 -- Later Liang
923-936 -- Later Tang
936-946 -- Later Jin
947-950 -- Later Han
951-960 -- Later Zhou
A.D. 907-979 Ten Kingdoms
A.D. 960-1279 Song
960-1127 -- Northern Song
1127-1279 -- Southern Song
A.D. 916-1125 Liao
A.D. 1038-1227 Western Xia
A.D. 1115-1234 Jin
A.D. 1279-1368 Yuan
A.D. 1368-1644 Ming
A.D. 1644-1911 Qing
A.D. 1911-1949 Republic of China (in mainland China)
A.D. 1949- Republic of China (in Taiwan)
A.D. 1949- People's Republic of China
Source: http://www-chaos.umd.edu/history/time_line.html
Many critics have complained about learning from the Chinese past. In 1919, the May-4movement blamed the backwardness to the Chinese traditions. They even campaigned to abandon the past and learn totally from the west. This is why May 4 also called new cultural movement. Many Chinese believed that Chinese traditions and practices had prevented the advancement and modernization of China. During the Cultural Revolution in 1960s and 1970s, Chinese traditions, religions and customs, especially, Confucianism were again under attack even though it was politically motivated.
So, what is the point of learning from the past? The past traditions based on the dynasty system are different from our modern social and political structure. The old practices, beliefs, and values are irrelevant to our modern time. Is it true?
However, there are some fundamental practices and human nature that can not be changed or comprised. The experiences gained from the past traditions can server as a reminder to us, such as:
- To educate people to be good citizens and make contributions to society. (Providing learning and development opportunities for the workforce is an important human resources strategy).
- To bring good life to the people. (Providing workplace safety, harmony and healthy can retain stay and improve productivity).
- To administrate and manage the government effectively. (Business excellence is what business organizations want to achieve)
Regardless of the capitalism, socialism or communism, we cannot ignore the presence of people, management of people, organization, control, planning and leading.
Hence, the past experience and knowledge from the traditional wisdom can help us to address the management problems of today. The case studies from past dynasties can serve as a reminder and learning tool. It may even be better than present day case studies that were built on assumptions.
Leading
The founders of each dynasty were always skilled leaders and military commanders.
Without leadership quality, how can they unite the whole China?
Planning
Dynasty founders always had long term planning to keep and maintain their dynasty for their next generations. Without planning, can dynasties last for more then hundred years?
Organizing
Dynasties were able to organize their administration of government with the help of scholars and military leaders. Without organizing skill, how can dynasty govern and collect taxes from the people?
Controlling
The Emperors used their authority and power to control their servants and regional leaders. There were also proper reporting systems. Without control mechanism, how can dynasty function effectively?
We can learn from both the success and failed practices of past dynasties and avoid being making the same mistakes. We also need to realize the different historical backgrounds that were no more possible or relevant to our current situations. We need t makes changes and proper alignment to fix the past to the present.
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