Although there is limited information about the origination of the “Great Wall”, research allows for more clarity about the history of the wall to be established. In ancient times, there were numerous walls created not only for defensive purposes to fortify the land, but for offensive measures to assert political and military control over territories. Expansionism was key to this offensive approach in order for Chinese northern states to “protect their political and economic penetration into [foreign] areas” (di Cosmo, 155). The walls were utilized for territorial growth in order to expand into the land of the nomads. Furthermore, the walls allowed for communication, as well as transportation to be accessible. While the military purposes of the walls were still essential, as well as preserving colonization, commercial development was also a very important aspect of the creation of the wall.
In addition, as numerous generations contributed to the reconstruction of the wall, Emperor Qin was responsible for ordering the existing fortifications to come together under one system (Waldron). This united system would transform into the prestigious wall that serves such a historical significance. Since the Warring States were already constructing walls, they were able to be used as a source of origin for the establishment of the wall.
Although I now have a much better understanding of the “Great Wall”, I still have a few questions about the unknown facts that still exist. While it is well-known that the walls weren’t shown in “traditional Chinese paintings” (Waldron) or in other documentation, I am curious whether this was done by choice or if they didn’t see a purpose in documenting its creation. If the wall was documented over time, more reliable sources would exist today in writing.
“Things I learned this week”:
- The walls were used for offensive strategies and to assert political and military control over different areas.
- The construction of the wall was built on the sorrow of many lower-class Chinese families.
- The walls were built after Chinese acquisition of nomadic lands with the purpose of incorporating new lands.
Works Cited
Waldron, Arthur. The Great Wall of China: From History to Myth. Cambridge Studies in Chinese History, Literature, and Institutions. Cambridge England: Cambridge University Press, 1990.
di Cosmo, Nicola. Ancient China and Its Enemies: The Rise of Nomadic Power in East Asian History. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2002.
