Choose a major event or change in China's history that we've discussed in our readings or class discussions, and explain what geographic (spatial) lesson it can teach us about China's past. Describe the change in detail, as presented in one of our course readings. Then, explain the geographic lesson or lessons we might take from this example, bringing in the perspectives or arguments of least two other authors we read in Parts 1 and 2 of the course.

One major spatial change in China's history is the construction of the Great Wall. In our course reading "China: A Cultural, Social, and Political History" by Patricia Buckley Ebrey, the construction of the Great Wall is discussed in detail. Ebrey describes how the Great Wall was built over several centuries to protect China from northern nomadic tribes, and it represents the spatial strategy of defense and isolation of the Chinese empire (Ebrey, 123). The construction of the Great Wall effectively changed the spatial boundaries of China and shaped its interaction with neighboring regions.

The construction of the Great Wall teaches us the geographic lesson that physical barriers can significantly impact a nation's spatial development and geopolitical relationships. As argued by G. William Skinner in "Marketing and Social Structure in Rural China," the physical geography of China, including its mountain ranges and deserts, has influenced the distribution of population and economic activities (Skinner, 67). The Great Wall further exemplifies how spatial barriers can define and limit a nation's territorial expansion and interactions with external powers.

In addition, the construction of the Great Wall also highlights the concept of "inner" and "outer" China, as discussed by Philip A. Kuhn in "Rebellion and its Enemies in Late Imperial China." Kuhn argues that the Chinese state historically focused on maintaining control over the "inner" core of the empire, while the "outer" peripheries were seen as less significant (Kuhn, 112). The construction of the Great Wall as a spatial boundary reflects this historical perspective and the spatial differentiation between the core and peripheries of the Chinese empire.

In conclusion, the construction of the Great Wall in China's history demonstrates the significant spatial impact of physical barriers, as well as the spatial differentiation between core and peripheral regions within the Chinese empire. This example highlights the complex and dynamic interactions between geography, power, and historical developments in China.
a. The major event in China's history that we can analyze for its geographic (spatial) lesson is the construction of the Great Wall. According to Peter Bol's "Through the Jade Gate: China to Rome," the Great Wall was constructed during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) to protect the Chinese Empire from nomadic incursions. The wall stretched across the northern border of China and encompassed various geographic features such as mountains and rivers (Bol, 112-113).

b. One geographic lesson we can take from the construction of the Great Wall is the significance of natural barriers in shaping the spatial boundaries of a civilization. Jared Diamond, in "Guns, Germs, and Steel," argues that geographic factors such as mountains, deserts, and bodies of water have a profound impact on the development of societies, affecting their ability to expand and defend their territories (Diamond, 369-370).

c. Another reading, "The Age of Confucian Rule: The Song Transformation of China" by Dieter Kuhn, provides a deeper understanding of the spatial implications of the Great Wall. Kuhn discusses the socio-political impact of the wall, highlighting how it not only served as a physical barrier but also symbolized the division between the civilized Chinese and the "barbarian" nomads (Kuhn, 96-97).

d. Additionally, Mark Elvin's "The Pattern of the Chinese Past" offers insights into the environmental consequences of large-scale construction projects like the Great Wall. Elvin emphasizes the ecological impact of such endeavors, explaining how massive labor mobilization and resource extraction for building the wall contributed to environmental degradation in certain regions (Elvin, 163-164).

By analyzing the construction of the Great Wall in China's history, we can see how geographic factors such as natural barriers and environmental considerations have played significant roles in shaping the spatial boundaries and interactions of civilizations. The various readings provide a comprehensive understanding of the spatial implications of this major event, emphasizing the complex interplay between geography, politics, and culture in China's historical development.