Why did early Chinese civilizations and dynasties thrive for thousands of years with little outside influence?
(1 point)
Responses
The Great Wall prevented invasions.
The Chinese did not need to trade for goods and resources.
Mountains and deserts provided natural barriers.
China is protected by water on all sides.
The correct answer is: Mountains and deserts provided natural barriers.
Early Chinese civilizations and dynasties thrived for thousands of years with little outside influence primarily due to the natural barriers of mountains and deserts. These geographical features acted as barriers, making it difficult for external invaders to penetrate inland China.
The vast mountain ranges such as the Himalayas, Tian Shan, and Kunlun Mountains provided a natural defense to the western and southwestern regions of China. These rugged terrains prevented easy access for invading armies and acted as a shield to protect Chinese civilization.
Similarly, the Gobi Desert and the Taklamakan Desert in the northwest acted as significant obstacles for invasions from Central Asia. These vast stretches of arid land were difficult to navigate, and the extreme climate made it challenging for armies to sustain themselves during military operations.
Additionally, the presence of vast seas and oceans surrounding China on three sides further added to the natural protection. The East China Sea, South China Sea, and Yellow Sea acted as barriers, making it challenging for potential invaders to launch a large-scale amphibious assault on China's mainland.
The Great Wall of China, although often associated with China's defense, was not a significant factor in protecting early Chinese civilizations and dynasties. The construction of the Great Wall started around 2,500 years ago and was primarily built to defend against nomadic tribes from the north, such as the Xiongnu. While it played a role in border defense, it was not the main reason why early Chinese civilizations thrived for thousands of years.
In conclusion, the natural barriers of mountains and deserts provided a significant advantage in protecting early Chinese civilizations and dynasties from outside invasions, allowing them to thrive relatively undisturbed for extended periods of time.