30min chapter

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Autocracy, Exams and Stagnation: Imperial China's Modern Legacy

ChinaTalk

CHAPTER

The Examination System in Imperial China

This chapter examines the historical importance of the examination system during the Sui dynasty, highlighting its dual role in shaping political power and societal structure. It discusses how the system provided limited social mobility and focused on meritocracy, while also emphasizing the exclusion of powerful elites in favor of central authority. The chapter further explores the relationship between commerce, technology, and political dynamics throughout various Chinese dynasties, ultimately arguing that significant societal change requires a confluence of factors beyond commerce alone.

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