Zheng He

1436 C.E.

As a former sailor under Zheng He, I believe it is my duty to write of his great life. Zheng He was a great man that was called by the Emperor to man a fleet of over 300 ships. Our main duties on the voyage were to meet and make friends with other cultures and to establish trade routes in other areas of the world. We visited amazing places such as Africa, India, and Arabia. But sadly a few years ago Zheng He died while in India. The new Emperor at the time called off the expeditions. It was surprising and depressing. We all returned home. The Government started to focus more on China itself than other parts of the world, which isn't a bad thing, but I believe that there's more out there that we didn't find. I think that this decision to call off the expeditions is a bad one and that it might just have a negative outcome on China. But whatever happens, I know that Zheng He will forever be remembered as a great explorer and man.

Zheng He Maritime Expeditions (Overview)." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 20 Oct. 2010. <http://ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/>

Song Dynasty

1234 C.E.

I am a scholar of the Southern Song Dynasty. We in the Song Dynasty have received information that the Mongol armies have started their advance. They have already taken the Northern Kingdoms of the Xia Dynasty and the Jin Dynasty. We are officially raising the security of the Kingdom. Those foul things won't get into our kingdom. The Song Dynasty has ruled for such a long time. Great contributions have been made during this time. The use of gunpowder in weaponry and the creation of vital waterways throughout the kingdom.China has seen great people in its time like the poets, Li-po and Du Fu. The Song Dynasty started the use of paper money. It would be a shame if this is its last days. No, I can't say that, we will prevail. We have to. This kingdom will be known forever in China, I am sure of it.

"Song dynasty." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 19 Oct. 2010. <http://ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/>

Tang Dynasty

631 C.E.

Under Taizong, the Tang Dynasty will be the greatest dynasty China has ever experienced! As a Private Official to the Emperor, I help him in deciding the future of this Empire. Plans of moving westward have been tossed around. We have spoken of moving into Tibet. We must make friends with our neighbors, especially when those neighbors own vital trade routes. The transportation of silk through the south is very important to our empire. We are also considering the invasion of the eastern kingdom of Korea. The Koreans refuse the Tang rule and must be dealt with. Expansion is the main foundation of this empire. We have already started the advance into the western Turkish colonies. These expansions will be extremely rewarding and will give China access to some of the most important routes. The Tang Dynasty will be a great influence to China in years to come.

"Tang dynasty." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 19 Oct. 2010. <http://ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/>

Mongols invade China

1261 C.E.

Today, our advance into the Song Dynasty pushes onward. Under General Kublai, my fellow soldiers and I have  taken the Xia and Jin Dynasties. Now, we move onto the Southern Song Dynasty. The Song is larger than Xia and Jin, but we are strong-willed and determined to fulfill our leader's hope to fully take over China. We have noticed that these people are much more advanced than us, so taking over would influence our civilization greatly. Kublai's Grandfather, Genghis had started the campaign to take over China. This dream has been passed down the family and may be soon coming true. This would be an extremely important time in this nation's history.

"Mongol conquest of China." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 18 Oct. 2010. <http://ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/>

Han Dynasty

111 B.C.E.

This a great time for China! Our Empire is doing great. Artisans are working and the economy is booming. After the collapse of the Qin dynasty in 207 B.C. E., China was in chaos, but then leaders came to power and united China under the Han Dynasty. The new emperors have set out to expand the Great Wall. They have sent people to build more watchtowers and to help protect the people of China from invaders. We have expanded our empire north into Mongol teritory and west into Korea and other pacific islands. We are creating new inventions and expanding our population. This dynasty will be a great time in our history.

"Han dynasty." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 18 Oct. 2010. <http://ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/>

Buddhism Comes to China

156 B.C.E.

For the past few years, new ideas of peace and enlightenment have come to China. People are calling it Buddhism. These teachings are new and exiting. They speak of getting rid of all desire in the world. They speak of a man named Buddha. This man had reached a state of peace and enlightenment. They called it Nirvana or to be completely enlightened and awoken. These teachings bring a new hope in China. In order to reach Nirvana, one must get rid of all desire. They must destroy their connections with all materialistic things of this world. This introduction in China is important because it's influencing new ideas in this land.

"Buddhism (Overview)." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 18 Oct. 2010. <http://ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/>

Great Wall

219 B.C.E.

For many months I have been working along with my fellow workers on an immense project to stop invaders from getting into our empire. It is horrible and exhausting work. Day after day, people are getting sick and dying. Everyone is starving including myself. It is hard, tedious work. The officials are treating us very poorly. Why would our emperor do this to us? Women and children are being taken from there homes and are being forced to work for countless hours. People are being taken away never to be seen again. I hope that someday we may establish a peaceful and understanding nation.

Lao Zi and Taoism

245 B.C.E.

I call myself a Heavenly Master. I am a follower of Lao-Zi's teachings, a Taoist. I seek balance and harmony in myself and in nature. The Taoist ideas of Yin and Yang in the universe are very inspiring. That opposites such as good and bad work together in order to create balance and harmony in the universe. There are 5 fundamentalisms in the Taoist teachings: Tao, Relativity, Non-action, Return, and Government. All of these ideas help to maintain peace and balance so that all may be content in there lives.

 

Unification of China

222 B.C.E.

For many years my fellow soldiers and I have been fighting a war against other kingdoms so that the State of Qin may rise victorious. We are starting our advance into the Chu State. One day we may all see peace under the Qin. The battles have been tough, but our armies are the most ruthless of all. We have mastered the use of horses, which has become a great asset in becoming victorious. Our leaders are smart and powerful. We are hoping to advance straight to the capital of the Chu state, Shouchun, and take over. If this invasion is carried out successfully China will finally be united.

Confucius

510 B.C.E.

For the past few years I have been following a great man by the name of Confucius. His teachings of peace and humanity are absolutely inspiring. This man speaks of goodness. That everyone in the world should be good. He says that if the rulers of the world are good, than the people shall follow. He speaks of family and the importance of maintaining relationships with one another so peace and harmony may be kept. There are 5 main branches of his teachings: Li, Jen, Chuntzu, Wen, and Te. These branches represent goodness in family, culture, and politics. Many people have rejected Confucius' teachings, but I believe that one day people will notice and respect what he says.