XIII's Far Eastern Historical Question of the Day

[IATyco]

Strong millitary, strong central goverment, strict regimentation of citizens( for example, planting spies among the people), and a tightly controlled ecnomy(legalist system).

These allows Qin to become rich and powerful in a very short time.

 

[Knight-Dragon]

Well, my answers would be...

1) The adoption of the Legalism ideology, and applied to the simple, hardy people of Qin (compared with the more sophisticated peoples within China proper).
2) Conquest and subjugation of Shu (part of Sichuan), adding to the economic resources of the Qin.
3) Massive irrigation projects within the Wei valley itself, as well as in Shu, leading to extremely high productivity - enabling the Qin to field their armies all year round.
4) The Wei valley was naturally protected, and there was only one pass to guard that went eastwards into China - good strategic positioning.

Next question - Why were the British and Commonwealth forces so badly routed by the Japanese invading Malaya, during WW2?

 

[Serutan]

IIRC a lot of it was that the British thought the terrain in
Malaya wouldn't allow ground operations to amount to anything,
so they set up their defensive system to a repel an attack from
the sea in the vicinity of Singapore. By the time they awoke to
the threat from the landward side, it was too late.

 

[IATyco]

The British thought that tanks cannot be use in the thick jungle of Malaya, therefore, they did not set up any anti-tank defence. However, it turns out that the Japanese had developed a tank small enough to move though the thick jungle. This type of tank, though weak compare to other bigger tank, proved enough to dealt with the British troops, who did not have the equipment to handle the siutation.

The British were unable to stop Japanese coastal landings, as their two battleships, the Repulse and the Prince of Wales was sunk on 10 December 1941 by Japanese fighters, due to lack of air cover.

Also, the British force had communication problems, as the orders issued were unclear, leading to confusion and disorganisation among the troops.

 

[Knight-Dragon]

It seems that we all have our own thoughts and opinions about the fall of Malaya and Singapore...

My answers would be because the Japanese forces were well-informed, well-led, and well-adapted for jungle warfare - moving quickly along, on bicycles. They continually outflanked the British and Commonwealth troops, leading to the defenders always on the retreat to avoid being pincered.

The Japanese also had air and naval superiority.

Also, the British military leadership on the ground completely underestimated the fighting ability and effectiveness of the Japanese forces - you know racism.

Next question - Pseudo-religious peasant uprisings had been a norm in traditional China - one of them even grew in strength to found the Ming dynasty. What was different about the Taipings - who revolted against the Manchus in the mid-19th century?

 

[IATyco]

The Taping rebellion is the only Christen revolt in chinese history.

 

[Knight-Dragon]

Yes, that's exactly it. And it wasn't even 'real' Christian, being a mixture of pseudo-Christianity and local beliefs.

Next question - What role did Thailand play in WW2?

 

[Serutan]

Technically, Thailand (still Siam at the time, IIRC) was neutral,
but in fact did anything the Japanese wanted them to.

 

[Knight-Dragon]

A pro-Japanese military govt was in place which allowed the Japanese access thru Thailand, as well as coorperation. As a reward, Japan gave Thailand those parts of Malaya and Cambodia that had been detached by the European powers in the prev decades.

Towards the end of the way, this govt was overthrown and a pro-Allied one came to power. Which quickly negotiated a settlement with the Allies, with the Japanese loss inevitable.

Next question - Who were the Nuzhen?

 

[alex994]

A group of ppl that founded the Jin Dynasty?

 

[Dann]

Aaargh! I wanted to post, but the site was down yesterday.

Yep, The Nuzhen (or Juchen) were founders of the Jin dynasty that ruled northern China, and also the ancestors of the Manchu.

Re: Taiping Rebellion did you know it's held in high esteem by the current regime? They like it because they say it was a peasant uprising with no bourgeoise elements, plus Hong Xiu Quan et al were practicing some sort of socialism. State media even did a high-budget TV series of it, but conveniently downplayed the Christian elements.

At one time the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (That's what they called themselves, honest ) was in control of a huge portion of China, but later internal discord and a new and reformed Qing army, aided by troops from Western powers, eventually broke this rebellion. Interesting to think what if they had succeeded then to overthrow the Qing? Or gained recognition as an independent kingdom in the south? A 19th century pseudo-Christian China! Weird.

 

[Knight-Dragon]

The Taipings wouldn't have lasted - the original core was Hakkas, who were sidelined in mainstream Chinese society. That's why they were eventually crushed by the regional Chinese armies; Chinese, not Manchu, and loyal to the Qing. It was the beginning of the break-up of China, with the devolvement of power to the regional armies.

Yep, the Nuzhen was the Chinese form of Jurchens.

Next question - Who was Zheng Chenggong?

 

[Dann]

Known to the West as Koxinga. A general loyal to the defeated Ming dynasty who turned to Taiwan and defeated the Dutch who had a colony there. He and his descendants ruled Taiwan as an independent kingdom for some years before they surrendered to the Qing during the reign of the emperor Kangxi.

Re: Taiping again yes the main army that defeated them was from Hunan under a general named Zeng something. It was actually operating quite independently of imperial control. Many were surprised Zeng disbanded it afterwards instead of trying to seize power for himself.

 

[Knight-Dragon]

Umph, yeah.

Next question - Which dynasty came after the Three Kingdoms?

 

[Dann]

Jin ½ú. Founded by the Sima family which took over from Cao Cao's descendants. They then conquered Wu Îâ. Shu Êñ had been conquered by Wei κ just before the takeover.

The Jin din't get to enjoy their reign over a unified China for long, though. Big scale barbarian invasions soon took place.

 

[IATyco]

The Jin dynasty.

 

[Knight-Dragon]

Yes, the Jin dynasty.

I've run out of questions off my head...