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Tides of History
The Rise of China's Warring States
Feb 8, 2024
Explore the unprecedented warfare and larger armies during China's Warring States period. Learn about the interplay between state making and war making, the elimination of the aristocracy, and the centralization of power. Discover the legacy, diversity, and territorial boundaries of the warring states, and the transition from the Spring and Autumn period. Dive into China's transformation, the rise of Carthage, and the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization.
38:40
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Quick takeaways
- The Warring States period in China saw the rise of larger armies, wealthier societies, and a shift towards meritocracy.
- Warfare during the Warring States period resulted in destruction, total mobilization, and the reorganization of society.
Deep dives
Transformation of the Warring States Period
The Warring States period in China was characterized by state making and war making, with the two processes being intertwined and mutually reinforcing. The states wanted to make war, so they did more state things, which allowed them to make more war, thus requiring them to do more state things. This led to the rise of larger armies and more intense control and extraction from the states. The armies transformed from small groups of high-status men and chariots to mass forces of infantry, armed and equipped identically. As the states grew stronger, societies across China became more populous, more urbanized, and wealthier. Iron metallurgy proliferated, trade expanded, and agricultural yields improved. The warring states period also saw a shift towards meritocracy, with appointments based on talent and skill rather than hereditary nobility. These changes laid the foundation for the imperial age that followed.
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Discover
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