China's Dynastic History -- Sui Dynasty

Sui Dynasty



To bring together the dispersed power bases operating between the Han and Tang dynasties required a strict and ruthless ruler. Such a leader was found in Emperor Wen who was able to unify the northern and southern dynasties, and initiate a number of public works projects to build China’s nation. This marks the second time in China’s history in which a very short-lived and harsh dynasty was able to implement policy and projects that would have a long lasting effect on China’s future development.


The Great Canal of China required hundreds of thousands of workers to complete. Stretch nearly 2000 km, and allowing for elevation changes as great as 150 feet, the Grand Canal tied together the trade between Hangzhou and Beijing as well as crossing both the Yangtze and Yellow rivers. This Canal is still in use to this day, and is the longest man built waterway in the world. Continued construction of the Great Wall, and other large scale building projects strained the economy, but provided work for millions.


The demands of the social code and ambitious land projects took their toll on the populous of china, and major uprisings eventually led to its downfall. Though some historians have debated the importance of the Sui dynasty, we include it here as another example of the discipline society and its role in long term national influence.



For more information, please try:


Wikipedia Entry
China History Forum
SACU