Academic Articles

Yang Guang (left in black) depicted as Emperor of Sui      The Sui Dynasty was a short lived dynasty that lasted only 37 years (581-618). It was ruled by two different emperors: Emperor Yang Jian who ruled from 581-604, and Emperor Yang Guang who ruled from 605 to the end of the dynasty. Despite good intentions, the Sui Dynasty would fall due to the Emperor's overambitious projects and reforms, which would lead to revolts from the overworked people. Yang Jian Unites North and South China      Following a chaotic period of roughly 3 centuries in which the Northern and the Southern Dynasties were constantly at war, Yang Jian, a nobleman who was the prime minister under the previous emperor, united the political and military powers and through his defeats of the other dynasties was able to finally unite both north and south China. Although he established the Sui Dynasty in 581 A. D., it wasn’t until the defeat of the Chen Dynasty in 589 that the ...

     China’s history has been long and varied throughout her existence.  From ancient times to modern, she has seen and made great strides both in her influence around the world, and amongst those of her own people.  China is the originator of inventions such as paper, printing, the compass, and gunpowder.  The Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and the Yun Gang Grottoes are only a touch of the magnificent architectural structures that the Chinese have forged in her long history.  However, China has also experienced devastating times that have nearly destroyed it and its people.  From the feudal dynasties of the past to the failed and disastrous policies of the “Great Leap Forward”, China has seen and experienced times that were almost her undoing. In the midst of her roller coaster ride however, one thing has remained constant: the Sino-centrism of the Chinese people.     ...