Building the Great Wall

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the history behind the Great Wall of China and how the original construction of the wall was essentially nothing more than bricks, wood, grass and packed earth and how its simple structure changed very little over the next many centuries. It also discusses how
more than 2000 years after its construction, the Great Wall is still seen by the Chinese as not only an everlasting testament of the industriousness of its people, but also an overwhelming and almost mystical symbol.

From the Paper:

"The Great Wall played a large part in all of the early dynasties of China, but its origin can be traced back to 221 B.C. After the western state of Qin subjugated and united seven states that had been at war since the 5th century, subsequently forming China, the ruler of Qin declared himself the first Emperor of China (Dalin 15). He gave himself the name Qin She Huangdi, which, conveniently enough, means 'First Emperor' in Chinese. One of Qin's first orders once in power was for all peasants, prisoners, and anyone else available to begin construction of a massive wall ("The Great Wall of China", screen 1). What would become the Great Wall was, in actuality, several very small already-standing fortification walls connected (Dalin 15). These smaller walls had been built by past dynasties, with the same reasons in mind as those that would years later prompt the erecting of the Great Wall."

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• Research Paper # 119079 : "Architecture and the Great Wall of China"
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• Analytical Essay # 148008 : "History of Management Theory"

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