History of The Great Wall
|
~221 BCE: The Great Wall's Beginnings
The Great Wall of China, though it is a massive structure today, had fairly humble beginnings. Across China, there were several small walls that had been created by the many states of China during the Warring States Period. Following this period, in 221 BCE, King Zheng unified the states and became the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty. He decided that his territory needed to be protected from the Xiongnu tribes of the North and ordered the walls to be fortified and connected. Working on the wall was mandated and it is estimated that up to a million people died while building the Qin Wall. These walls were built using resources local to each area and years of destruction and erosion have left little of the Qin Wall remaining today (Lovell, 2006). |
200 BCE-1200 CE: Several Dynasties Expand the Wall
Following the reign of the Qin Dynasty, there was still a need for some sort of fortification to defend against the Xiongnu people. The Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) reigned during a more stable time and made several expansions on the Wall. During the Han reign, the wall expanded to nearly 6,000 km (3,728 mi). Following this period, the Sui, Wei, Zhou, and Qi worked to expand and rebuild the Wall in order to protect themselves until around 690 CE. Their successors, the Tang and Song dynasties did not build or rebuild any sections of the Wall (Wu, 2016). 1644: The Wall Loses its Purpose
The Ming efforts to expand the Wall worked for several centuries, but eventually, they failed. In 1644, the Manchu people invaded China and overthrew the Ming Dynasty. They created the Qing Dynasty and expanded their territory to include Mongolia. Since the Wall was now inside of the territory, there was no need to use it for defense. The Wall became neglected and parts eroded away, while other parts were broken down for their materials. 1972: Nixon Visits the Great Wall
Following the end of World War II, no president of the United States visited the People's Republic of China; however, in 1972 Richard Nixon broke this separation in an attempt to better Chinese-American relations. During this visit, Nixon visited several notable Chinese structures, including the Great Wall. Nixon visited the Wall with the First Lady, Secretary of State Will Rogers, and several Chinese officials. During his time at the Wall he gave a short speech to the media in which he stated, "A people who could build a wall like this certainly have a great past to be proud of and a people who have this kind of a past must also have a great future" (Kennedy, 1998). |
1209-1644: Mongol Invasions and the Ming Dynasty
For several centuries,the biggest threats to China seemed to be within the country itself. However, during the 13th century, the Mongols broke through the Great Wall and invaded China. They defeated the Song Dynasty and created their own government that was in place until the Red Turban Rebellion. Following the invasions, the Ming Dynasty was established and built the most impressive portions of the Great Wall. Instead of using rammed earth like their predecessors, the Ming used bricks. They created watchtowers along the Wall and worked extensively to repair and expand the Wall for Mongol Invasions. 1933: Defense of the Great Wall
Although the Great Wall no longer served as a barrier between China and Mongolia, it was still involved in battles in the 20th century. On January 1, 1933, Japan began to invade several parts of China. Several battles that occurred during this time involved the Great Wall, especially the Battle of Rehe. During this battle, Chinese troops used the Great Wall as a strategic defense point; however, they were overwhelmed and Japan began to take strategic points along the Wall. On May 20, 1933, Chinese troops retreated from their remaining posts along the Wall (Xiang, 2012). |
Learn more about the Great Wall of China
References
Wu, A. (n.d.). The Great Wall of China in the Han Dynasty. Retrieved December 06, 2016, from http://www.chinahighlights.com/greatwall/history/han-dynasty-wall.htm
Xiang, A. (n.d.). RESISTANCE WARS. Retrieved December 06, 2016, from http://www.republicanchina.org/war
Wu, A. (n.d.). The Great Wall of China in the Han Dynasty. Retrieved December 06, 2016, from http://www.chinahighlights.com/greatwall/history/han-dynasty-wall.htm
Xiang, A. (n.d.). RESISTANCE WARS. Retrieved December 06, 2016, from http://www.republicanchina.org/war