The Impact of the Neolithic Revolution on the Han Empire

The Impact of the Neolithic Revolution on the Han Empire

The Neolithic revolution in China began around 10,000 BC and lasted until the introduction of metallurgy about 8000 years later. The Neolithic revolution is characterized by impactful effects, especially during the Han Empire. The period is linked with changes in people’s way of life, including how they practiced economic activities, culture, and politics. A significant change was the introduction of farming to replace hunting and gathering. During the same period, most inhabitants also started rearing domestic animals.

The Neolithic revolution in the Han dynasty was characterized by the incorporation of traditional Chinese farming methods with newer farm engineering processes. Before the Neolithic revolution, different regions in China used simple tools to do their farming.[1] Rakes, shovels, and ploughs made from stone were used in the Yellow River region, while similar tools in the Yangtze River region were made from shells and bones. In other areas, animals were used to step on agricultural land and loosen the soil before agricultural activities could occur. However, a few notable changes were introduced following the beginning of the Neolithic revolutions. One of the major changes introduced included the introduction of bronze-made ploughs, shovels, and rakes.[2] Also, a new technology for marinating seeds in fertilizer before sowing them was introduced.[3] However, the use of animals to loosen soil was still relevant; hence the practice persisted, and the size of land under animal occupation was expanded. Overall, the Neolithic period is characterized by increased adoption of farming and improved agricultural engineering processes.

Consistently, the period marked the adoption of a crop-based way of farming which was not previously common in the region. For instance, new crops, such as buckwheat, yams, sesame, and alfalfa, were introduced in the Yellow River region.[4] Some crops were distributed during the period via the exchange of technology with the North, like cotton and canola, which later became mainstream cash crops in the South and originated from the North. Cotton played a key role in the South region as it expanded the textile industry, a new economic sector. Further, multi-seasonal and kapok rice varieties were introduced during the period, especially in the Yangtze River region.[5] It is worth noting that as the agricultural crop subsystem was being adopted, more land was placed under cultivation, thereby increasing the total land under agriculture.

The Neolithic revolution during the Han Empire impacted Chinese people’s way of life. The revolution affected Chinese people’s culture, politics, economic practices, and the social aspect of life. Some of the significant impacts of the revolution affected China people’s agricultural engineering systems. Previously, people from the Yellow River and the Yangtze River region used stone, shell, or bone-made agricultural tools, which made cultivation a hard tussle. However, agricultural activities were expanded following the introduction of improved tools during the Neolithic period. Another useful impact is the introduction of new technologies that enhance farming activities. For instance, the use of fertilizer as a marinade for seeds boosted farm productivity in the long run; hence, locals decided that it was worth venturing into. The crops also opened other sectors of the economy. As stated, cotton was partly used to produce oil which was used to drive other economic sectors. Overall, the Neolithic revolution significantly changed Chinese people’s way of life for the better.

Bibliography

Strayer, Robert W. Ways of the World: A Brief Global History with Sources. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2019.

Wu, Shuanglei, Yongping Wei, Brian Head, Yan Zhao, and Scott Hanna. “The Development of Ancient Chinese Agricultural and Water Technology from 8000 BC to 1911 AD.” Palgrave Communications 5, no. 1 (July 9, 2019). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-019-0282-1.

Zhang, Jianping, Ying Lv, Lupeng Yu, Miao Tang, Ming Huang, Konglan Shao, Xiujia Huan, et al. “Neolithic Rice Cultivation and Consequent Landscape Changes at the Baodun Site, Southwestern China.” Frontiers in Earth Science 9 (November 30, 2021). https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2021.807626.

[1] Strayer, Robert W., and Eric W. Nelson. Ways of the World: A Brief Global History, Value Edition, Combined Volume. (Macmillan Higher Education, 2021.)

[2] Wu, Shuanglei, Yongping Wei, Brian Head, Yan Zhao, and Scott Hanna. “The development of ancient Chinese agricultural and water technology from 8000 BC to 1911 AD.” Palgrave Communications 5, no. 1 (2019): 1-16.

 [3] Ibid.

[4]  Wu, Shuanglei, Yongping Wei, Brian Head, Yan Zhao, and Scott Hanna. “The development of ancient Chinese agricultural and water technology from 8000 BC to 1911 AD.” Palgrave Communications 5, no. 1 (2019): 1-16.

[5] Zhang, Jianping, Ying Lv, Lupeng Yu, Miao Tang, Ming Huang, Konglan Shao, Xiujia Huan et al. “Neolithic rice cultivation and consequent landscape changes at the Baodun site, Southwestern China.” Frontiers in Earth Science 9 (2021): 807626.

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

We’ll write everything from scratch

The critical analysis paper focuses on one civilization or empire of the student’s choosing to discuss the impact of the Neolithic Revolution. (Only civilizations/empires occurring BEFORE 1500AD will be accepted). This paper must be 2 – 3 pages (without title or bibliography) in length. Students may use sources other than their book and are encouraged to do so. This paper must be submitted as a PDF.

The Impact of the Neolithic Revolution on the Han Empire

 Directions:

1. Location/People: A student will pick one civilization or empire (can be one discussed in the textbook).
2. Theme/Topic: Focus on one topic to discuss. Topics can include but are not limited to politics, economics, military, and culture. (You must narrow your topic. If your topic is too general, your paper will either be too long or will not successfully come to completion)
3. Primary Source: You must have one primary source. A primary source is original contemporary material from the civilization you have An example of this would be a treatise from one of the civilization’s philosophers, a letter from the king of that civilization, a poem, or even a work of art from the civilization.
4. Secondary Source: You must have at least two secondary sources. Your textbook may be utilized as your textbook depending on your chosen civilization/empire and theme/topic.

Example topic: The Neolithic Revolution impacted China with the beginning of bureaucracy in the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD)