Zhuge Liang, also known as Kongming, was the chief strategist and advisor to the kingdom of Shu who lived the era of Three Kingdoms. His surname, Kongming, translates to sleeping dragon, and it was given to him because his talents were hidden from the world until the leader of the Kingdom of Shu requested his aid. Zhuge Liang mastered both domestic and foreign policies in addition to his unique technique of blending his knowledge of weather and astronomy using nature to defeat the enemy with armies of fewer men. He was also a great inventor who attributed inventions such as the repeating crossbow and the flying lantern. Furthermore, he is also considered to be a true confusion follower and a tragic hero because of the destiny that fate brought upon him. Due to his accomplishments, historians regard him as a versatile man, an inventor, a feared strategist, a true Confucian follower, and to some extent a tragic hero.
Zhuge Liang’s talent was hidden for many years in a rural area of the Hubei Province, where lived a modest life as a farmer. It was not until he agreed to help Liu Bei achieve his goal of unifying China that his talents were brought to light. His unconditional successes impressed Liu Bei and “was later appointed as ChengXing (minister) of political affairs” (China Travel Agency). In fact, some historians believe that it was because of him that Liu Bei’s army came to be feared and was able to defeat armies of larger ratios. His intervention in the war created allies and new technological advances such as the invention of new weapons and wear. Zhuge Liang’s master died at age sixty and “Liang was entrusted with Liu Bei’s son and kingdom” (China Travel Agency).Liu Bei’s confidence in Liang’s ability to govern and achieve...
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The Cultural Revolution in China was led by Mao Zedong, due to this Liang and many others faced overwhelming obstacles in many aspects of their life such as work, family and everyday encounters, if affected everyone’s families life and education, Liang lets us experience his everyday struggles during this era, where the government determined almost every aspect of life.
Smarr, Janet. “Emperor Wu”. Making of the Modern World 12. Ledden Auditorium, La Jolla, CA. 17 Feb. 2012. Lecture.
The Tang dynasty was an era of major technological advancement. This can be very clearly seen in their revolutionary explosive powder or gun powder, as well as their very expensive porcelain. The gunpowder is perhaps China’s most groundbreaking invention. Although it was invented for mere fireworks purposes, the military saw great potential in a highly explosive substance. This set off a chain reaction of events that some may think as detrimental to our society. From this powder, the first set of gun powder based guns, or muskets were developed. This triggered an arms race up until the early 1900s. As with any sort of mass engineering of guns, only death was left in its wake. Although the powder was pr...
Liu Bang: commonly known by his temple name Gaozu, he was the first emperor of the Han dynasty, he ruled China from 202 - 195 BC. During his reign he reduced the taxes, prompted Confucianism, supported revolts by the rulers of some vassal states, and he also initiated the policy
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Qian, Sima. Records of the Grand Historian, Volume 55, House of the Marquis of Liu.
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