Condensed Chinese History for Beginners

Every day history is created.  Since the beginning of time, there have been documentations of history from throughout the world.  Every culture, every continent, and every country all have a unique chronicle of events.  China is no exception.  If you were to sit down and try to study every single piece of Chinese history , it would be impossible.  Below, you will find a condensed version of Chinese history .  Touching on the main time periods, you will find great information and resources.  The information is perfect for someone writing a paper on China , or for the history fanatic who wants to learn.

The Origins of Chinese Civilization

  • Xia: c. 2200 - c. 1750 BC
  • Shang: c. 1750 - c. 1040 BC
  • Western Zhou: c. 1100 - 771 BC
  • Eastern Zhou, The Spring & Autumn Period, and the Warring States: 771 - 221 BC


The Early Empire: 221 BC - AD 589

  • Qin: 221 - 206 BC
    • Qin Dynasty - This website breaks down the history into easy to read overviews.  Perfect for a history briefing.
    • Imperial Eras - Learn about the Imperial eras of China; the Qin dynasty is included.
  • The Three Kingdoms and the Dynasties of the North and South


The Second Empire: 589 - 1644

  • Sui: 589 - 618
    • Sui Dynasty - View the ruling Sui dynasty, as well as the surrounding kingdoms.
    • Sui Dynasty - Interesting information on the economical and political prosperity of this time period.
  • Tang: 618 - 907
  • Northern and Southern Song: 960 - 1279
  • Yuan (Mongol): 1279 - 1368
    • Yuan in China - Excellent reading material.  Click through to find more information on Chinese history.
    • Mongol - Learn about the Yuan dynasties and their conquests.
  • Ming: 1368 - 1644
    • Ming China - Extremely interactive, with information on all aspects of life and culture during the Ming time period.
    • Ming Dynasty in China - View a map of this dynasty


The Birth of Modern China: 1644 - present

  • Qing (Manchu): 1644 - 1911
    • The Manchus - Brief summary of the Manchu dynasty.
    • China Under the Manchus - This University has broken down all of the Chinese dynasties into a timeline, with wonderful graphics.
  • Republican China: 1911 - 1949
    • Republic of China - Excellent information leading to other resources, in addition to a summarized history of this time period.
    • Republican China - Extremely thorough report of this dynasty.
  • The People's Republic of China: 1949 - present

The Republic's 50th Anniversary - This offers information about the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the People's Republic of China .  View pictures, read documents, and celebrate the history of China.

<p ><span >Every day history is created.  Since the beginning of time, there have been </span><a href="http://www.history.com/"><span >documentations of history</span></a><span > from throughout the world.  Every culture, every continent, and every country all have a unique chronicle of events.  </span><a href="http://www.chinatoday.com/"><span >China</span></a><span > is no exception.  If you were to sit down and try to study every single piece of </span><a href="http://www-chaos.umd.edu/history/toc.html"><span >Chinese history</span></a><span >, it would be impossible.  Below, you will find a condensed version of </span><a href="http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/core9/phalsall/texts/chinhist.html"><span >Chinese history</span></a><span >.  Touching on the main time periods, you will find great information and resources.  The information is perfect for someone writing a paper on </span><a href="http://online.sfsu.edu/~ericmar/catimeline.html"><span >China</span></a><span >, or for the history fanatic who wants to learn.</span></p> <p ><span > </span></p> <p ><strong><span >The Origins of Chinese Civilization</span></strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li ><span >Xia: c. 2200 - c. 1750 BC </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.chaos.umd.edu/history/ancient1.html"><span >Chinese Ancient Dynasties</span></a><span > - This page does a wonderful job of exploring the ancient Chinese Dynasties.  From the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pangu"><span >Pangu</span></a><span > to the </span><a href="http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/china/ancient_china/zhou.html"><span >Zhou</span></a><span >, this is a great starting point.</span></li> <li ><a href="http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/china/ancient_china/xia.html"><span >Xia Dynasty</span></a><span > - Learn about the direct ancestors that the Xia descended from. </span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Shang: c. 1750 - c. 1040 BC </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://wsu.edu/~dee/ANCCHINA/CHOU.HTM"><span >Ancient China</span></a><span > - Learn about the Chou kingdom that clashed with the Shang dynasty. </span></li> <li ><a href="http://blue.butler.edu/~jfmcgrat/china/timeline.htm"><span >Shang Dynasty</span></a><span > - The rise and fall of the Shang Dynasty. </span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Western Zhou: c. 1100 - 771 BC </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.indiana.edu/~g380/WZhou-Hist.pdf"><span >Western Zhou History</span></a><span > - This is a wonderful resource, but it is a PDF file.  Download </span><a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/"><span >Adobe Reader</span></a><span > to view it. </span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Eastern Zhou, The Spring & Autumn Period, and the Warring States: 771 - 221 BC </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.umd.umich.edu/mitten/jsanteiu/Student%20Work/Chinese%20Student%202.pdf"><span >Easter Zhou Dynasty</span></a><span > - Another PDF file, but great information.</span></li> <li ><a href="http://polaris.gseis.ucla.edu/yanglu/ECC_HISTORY_ZHOU%20DYNASTY.htm"><span >Zhou Dynasty</span></a><span > - Learn about both the Eastern and Western civilizations. </span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p ><br /><strong><span >The Early Empire: 221 BC - AD 589</span></strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li ><span >Qin: 221 - 206 BC </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.usc.edu/libraries/archives/arc/libraries/eastasian/china/toqing.html"><span >Qin Dynasty</span></a><span > - This website breaks down the history into easy to read overviews.  Perfect for a history briefing.</span></li> <li ><a href="http://www-chaos.umd.edu/history/imperial.html"><span >Imperial Eras</span></a><span > - Learn about the Imperial eras of China; the Qin dynasty is included.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >The Three Kingdoms and the Dynasties of the North and South </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/china/early_imperial_china/threekingdoms.html"><span >Three Kingdoms</span></a><span > - This resource has been referenced before.  It truly is a hub of </span><a href="http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/china/"><span >Chinese history</span></a><span > information.  </span></li> <li ><a href="http://www.imperialchina.org/SouthNorth.html"><span >North and South Dynasties</span></a><span > - Full of resources to other information referencing not only the North and South dynasties, but many of the ruling dynasties of China.</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p ><br /><strong><span >The Second Empire: 589 - 1644</span></strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li ><span >Sui: 589 - 618 </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/1xarsui1.htm"><span >Sui Dynasty</span></a><span > - View the ruling Sui dynasty, as well as the surrounding kingdoms. </span></li> <li ><a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/sui/"><span >Sui Dynasty</span></a><span > - Interesting information on the economical and political prosperity of this time period.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Tang: 618 - 907 </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tang_Dynasty"><span >The Tang Dynasty</span></a><span > - Complete history of this time period, citing excellent sources.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Northern and Southern Song: 960 - 1279 </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.wisc.edu/arth/ah370/song.html"><span >Articles from the Song Dynasty</span></a><span > - View paintings, bowls and pots from this time period. </span></li> <li ><a href="http://www.davidrumsey.com/amico/amico1259435-10596.html"><span >Late Song Period</span></a><span > - Brief facts and information on this dynasty.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Yuan (Mongol): 1279 - 1368 </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.accd.edu/sac/history/keller/mongols/states1.html"><span >Yuan in China</span></a><span > - Excellent reading material.  Click through to find more information on Chinese history.</span></li> <li ><a href="http://loki.stockton.edu/~gilmorew/consorti/2eeasia.htm"><span >Mongol</span></a><span > - Learn about the Yuan dynasties and their conquests. </span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Ming: 1368 - 1644 </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MING/MING.HTM"><span >Ming China</span></a><span > - Extremely interactive, with information on all aspects of life and culture during the Ming time period.</span></li> <li ><a href="http://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/1xarming.htm"><span >Ming Dynasty in China</span></a><span > - View a map of this dynasty</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p ><br /><strong><span >The Birth of Modern China: 1644 - present</span></strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li ><span >Qing (Manchu): 1644 - 1911 </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://wsu.edu/~dee/CHING/MANCHU.HTM"><span >The Manchus</span></a><span > - Brief summary of the Manchu dynasty. </span></li> <li ><a href="http://library.osu.edu/sites/exhibits/petheo/china_under_the_manchus.htm"><span >China Under the Manchus</span></a><span > - This University has broken down all of the Chinese dynasties into a timeline, with wonderful graphics.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Republican China: 1911 - 1949 </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://loki.stockton.edu/~gilmorew/consorti/1peasia.htm"><span >Republic of China</span></a><span > - Excellent information leading to other resources, in addition to a summarized history of this time period.</span></li> <li ><a href="http://www-chaos.umd.edu/history/republican.html"><span >Republican China</span></a><span > - Extremely thorough report of this dynasty. </span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >The People's Republic of China: 1949 - present </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.washlaw.edu/forint/asia/china.html"><span >The People's Republic</span></a><span > - The most recent events in Chinese history. </span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span ><a href="http://newton.uor.edu/Departments&Programs/AsianStudiesDept/china-50.html"><span >The Republic's 50th Anniversary</span></a> - This offers information about the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the <a href="http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/"><span >People's Republic of China</span></a>.  View pictures, read documents, and celebrate the history of China. </span></p> <p ><span >Every day history is created.  Since the beginning of time, there have been </span><a href="http://www.history.com/" rel="nofollow"><span >documentations of history</span></a><span > from throughout the world.  Every culture, every continent, and every country all have a unique chronicle of events.  </span><a href="http://www.chinatoday.com/" rel="nofollow"><span >China</span></a><span > is no exception.  If you were to sit down and try to study every single piece of </span><a href="http://www-chaos.umd.edu/history/toc.html" rel="nofollow"><span >Chinese history</span></a><span >, it would be impossible.  Below, you will find a condensed version of </span><a href="http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/core9/phalsall/texts/chinhist.html" rel="nofollow"><span >Chinese history</span></a><span >.  Touching on the main time periods, you will find great information and resources.  The information is perfect for someone writing a paper on </span><a href="http://online.sfsu.edu/~ericmar/catimeline.html" rel="nofollow"><span >China</span></a><span >, or for the history fanatic who wants to learn.</span></p> <p ><span > </span></p> <p ><strong><span >The Origins of Chinese Civilization</span></strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li ><span >Xia: c. 2200 - c. 1750 BC </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.chaos.umd.edu/history/ancient1.html" rel="nofollow"><span >Chinese Ancient Dynasties</span></a><span > - This page does a wonderful job of exploring the ancient Chinese Dynasties.  From the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pangu" rel="nofollow"><span >Pangu</span></a><span > to the </span><a href="http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/china/ancient_china/zhou.html" rel="nofollow"><span >Zhou</span></a><span >, this is a great starting point.</span></li> <li ><a href="http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/china/ancient_china/xia.html" rel="nofollow"><span >Xia Dynasty</span></a><span > - Learn about the direct ancestors that the Xia descended from. </span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Shang: c. 1750 - c. 1040 BC </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://wsu.edu/~dee/ANCCHINA/CHOU.HTM" rel="nofollow"><span >Ancient China</span></a><span > - Learn about the Chou kingdom that clashed with the Shang dynasty. </span></li> <li ><a href="http://blue.butler.edu/~jfmcgrat/china/timeline.htm" rel="nofollow"><span >Shang Dynasty</span></a><span > - The rise and fall of the Shang Dynasty. </span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Western Zhou: c. 1100 - 771 BC </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.indiana.edu/~g380/WZhou-Hist.pdf" rel="nofollow"><span >Western Zhou History</span></a><span > - This is a wonderful resource, but it is a PDF file.  Download </span><a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/" rel="nofollow"><span >Adobe Reader</span></a><span > to view it. </span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Eastern Zhou, The Spring & Autumn Period, and the Warring States: 771 - 221 BC </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.umd.umich.edu/mitten/jsanteiu/Student%20Work/Chinese%20Student%202.pdf" rel="nofollow"><span >Easter Zhou Dynasty</span></a><span > - Another PDF file, but great information.</span></li> <li ><a href="http://polaris.gseis.ucla.edu/yanglu/ECC_HISTORY_ZHOU%20DYNASTY.htm" rel="nofollow"><span >Zhou Dynasty</span></a><span > - Learn about both the Eastern and Western civilizations. </span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p ><br /><strong><span >The Early Empire: 221 BC - AD 589</span></strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li ><span >Qin: 221 - 206 BC </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.usc.edu/libraries/archives/arc/libraries/eastasian/china/toqing.html" rel="nofollow"><span >Qin Dynasty</span></a><span > - This website breaks down the history into easy to read overviews.  Perfect for a history briefing.</span></li> <li ><a href="http://www-chaos.umd.edu/history/imperial.html" rel="nofollow"><span >Imperial Eras</span></a><span > - Learn about the Imperial eras of China; the Qin dynasty is included.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >The Three Kingdoms and the Dynasties of the North and South </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/china/early_imperial_china/threekingdoms.html" rel="nofollow"><span >Three Kingdoms</span></a><span > - This resource has been referenced before.  It truly is a hub of </span><a href="http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/china/" rel="nofollow"><span >Chinese history</span></a><span > information.  </span></li> <li ><a href="http://www.imperialchina.org/SouthNorth.html" rel="nofollow"><span >North and South Dynasties</span></a><span > - Full of resources to other information referencing not only the North and South dynasties, but many of the ruling dynasties of China.</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p ><br /><strong><span >The Second Empire: 589 - 1644</span></strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li ><span >Sui: 589 - 618 </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/1xarsui1.htm" rel="nofollow"><span >Sui Dynasty</span></a><span > - View the ruling Sui dynasty, as well as the surrounding kingdoms. </span></li> <li ><a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/sui/" rel="nofollow"><span >Sui Dynasty</span></a><span > - Interesting information on the economical and political prosperity of this time period.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Tang: 618 - 907 </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tang_Dynasty" rel="nofollow"><span >The Tang Dynasty</span></a><span > - Complete history of this time period, citing excellent sources.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Northern and Southern Song: 960 - 1279 </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.wisc.edu/arth/ah370/song.html" rel="nofollow"><span >Articles from the Song Dynasty</span></a><span > - View paintings, bowls and pots from this time period. </span></li> <li ><a href="http://www.davidrumsey.com/amico/amico1259435-10596.html" rel="nofollow"><span >Late Song Period</span></a><span > - Brief facts and information on this dynasty.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Yuan (Mongol): 1279 - 1368 </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.accd.edu/sac/history/keller/mongols/states1.html" rel="nofollow"><span >Yuan in China</span></a><span > - Excellent reading material.  Click through to find more information on Chinese history.</span></li> <li ><a href="http://loki.stockton.edu/~gilmorew/consorti/2eeasia.htm" rel="nofollow"><span >Mongol</span></a><span > - Learn about the Yuan dynasties and their conquests. </span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Ming: 1368 - 1644 </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MING/MING.HTM" rel="nofollow"><span >Ming China</span></a><span > - Extremely interactive, with information on all aspects of life and culture during the Ming time period.</span></li> <li ><a href="http://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/1xarming.htm" rel="nofollow"><span >Ming Dynasty in China</span></a><span > - View a map of this dynasty</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p ><br /><strong><span >The Birth of Modern China: 1644 - present</span></strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li ><span >Qing (Manchu): 1644 - 1911 </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://wsu.edu/~dee/CHING/MANCHU.HTM" rel="nofollow"><span >The Manchus</span></a><span > - Brief summary of the Manchu dynasty. </span></li> <li ><a href="http://library.osu.edu/sites/exhibits/petheo/china_under_the_manchus.htm" rel="nofollow"><span >China Under the Manchus</span></a><span > - This University has broken down all of the Chinese dynasties into a timeline, with wonderful graphics.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >Republican China: 1911 - 1949 </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://loki.stockton.edu/~gilmorew/consorti/1peasia.htm" rel="nofollow"><span >Republic of China</span></a><span > - Excellent information leading to other resources, in addition to a summarized history of this time period.</span></li> <li ><a href="http://www-chaos.umd.edu/history/republican.html" rel="nofollow"><span >Republican China</span></a><span > - Extremely thorough report of this dynasty. </span></li> </ul> </li> <li ><span >The People's Republic of China: 1949 - present </span> <ul type="circle"> <li ><a href="http://www.washlaw.edu/forint/asia/china.html" rel="nofollow"><span >The People's Republic</span></a><span > - The most recent events in Chinese history. </span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span ><a href="http://newton.uor.edu/Departments&Programs/AsianStudiesDept/china-50.html" rel="nofollow"><span >The Republic's 50th Anniversary</span></a> - This offers information about the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the <a href="http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/" rel="nofollow"><span >People's Republic of China</span></a>.  View pictures, read documents, and celebrate the history of China. </span></p>