Introduction
Each country’s history reflects the different perceptions and aspirations of the rulers who have contributed to its development. China is an example of a country with one of the richest histories. Its rulers, year after year, shaped the country’s culture and laws and influenced the destiny of future generations. China’s emperors played a crucial role in the country’s development through their power and regulations.
Understanding People’s Nature and Wishes
Among the main reasons I believe that emperors played a defining role in China’s history, I would like to highlight two. Firstly, emperors are special rulers, as their dynasties have long been at the head of the country. Therefore, it is essential to emphasize that their understanding of the internal processes of a country is deep and diverse. It is a critical factor in shaping specific laws and making important decisions (“Tang Cosmopolitanism”). In his essay, The Responsibilities of Rulership, the author, Dong Zhongshu, describes the ruler’s deep understanding of his country’s internal processes as “eliminating obstructions” (Dong Zhongshu: The Responsibilities of Rulership). According to Zhongshu, “it is possible to rely on the internal to verify the external. It is possible to rely on the insignificant to verify the significant” (p. 299). This approach allows the emperor to positively influence not only the state of the country during his reign but to create a solid basis for the life of future generations of the country.
Inspiration for The Nation
Secondly, one should not underestimate the emperor’s role in the country’s life as support and hope for the people. Chinese emperors such as Qinshi Huangdi, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Ming Taizu, and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang were symbols for the people. I heard two people talking about the people’s need for the monarchy, and in particular, the Queen of Great Britain. The first man argued it was not worth spending money on the monarchy because it was useless. However, the second man said that kings and emperors play an essential role in maintaining the spirit and hope of the people. As objects of art or cinema, they inspire people and make them aware of their nation. As Zhongshu states, “people will take up their children on their backs and follow him as the ruler so that he too will be unable to leave them” (p. 300). It is therefore important to emphasize that this aspect of China’s imperial rule is one confirmation of the importance of these rulers to the Chinese nation.
Qinshi Huangdi
Especially as an example of the defining role in China’s history by the emperor, I would like to single out reforms of the Empire Qinshi Huangdi. The reign of this emperor is exemplary in its influence on the further formation of Chinese culture. In particular, it is essential to emphasize that Qinshi carried out cultural reform and unified the script, as well as, by his order, built the Great Wall of China (“Qinshi Huangdi and founding of the Qin”). The country’s culture is an important factor in shaping its future generations. It is not only how a country is perceived in the global political arena but within it. Culture shapes people’s awareness and identity, and Qinshi played a vital role in this aspect of China’s history.
Emperor Taizong of Tang
As a further confirmation of the significant role of emperors in the formation of China, I also want to highlight the activities of Ming Taizu. The Ming dynasty ruled from 1368 to 1644 (“Ming Political History”). Ming Taizu is one of the most important rulers of this dynasty and among all the emperors of China. His economic reforms, such as fiscal administration and currency reform, significantly improved the welfare of the Chinese (“Ming Political History”). Moreover, Emperor Ming made a significant contribution to the country’s culture through the improvement of Confucian rule. Considering these factors, I conclude that the emperors of China have influenced the lives of people not only under their authority but for future generations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize again that emperors are the throne’s heirs. The family ties that bind all past and subsequent rulers symbolize the duty of each to their country. This factor creates close relations between the emperors of China and their people. As a result, aspects considered in this discussion suggest that Chinese emperors such as Qinshi Huangdi, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Ming Taizu, and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang played a crucial role in shaping China’s destiny. In my view, their policies and laws, expressed by a deep understanding of their people, shaped the China that people can see today.
References
Ming Political History.
Qinshi Huangdi and founding of the Qin.
Tang Cosmopolitanism.
Zhongshu, D. The Responsibilities of Rulership.