War, Politics and Society in Early Modern China, 900û1795

by Lorge; Peter

• ISBN13: 9780415316910
• ISBN10: 041531691X
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2005-12-15
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This comprehensive survey of Chinese military history is the only book in English to span the significant years from 900-1795. Peter Lorge questions current theories on Chinas relationship to war, and argues that war was the most important tool used by the Chinese in building and maintaining their empire. Emphasizing the relationship between the military and politics, chapters are organized around specific military events and, Lorge argues, the strength of territorial claims and political impact of each dynasty were determined by their military capacity. Ideal as a course adoption text for Asian military studies, this is also valuable for students of Chinese studies, military studies and Chinese history.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	viii
Introduction	1	(16)
Unity through war, 900--1005	17	(22)
Empires at peace, empires at war, 1005--1142	39	(19)
Three empires and a century of war, 1142--1272	58	(20)
A Chinese empire, 1272--1355?	78	(20)
The Chinese conquest dynasty, 1355--1435	98	(21)
The politics of imperial collapse, 1435--1610	119	(20)
A people created for war, 1610--1683	139	(19)
The Old Man of Ten Complete Military Victories, 1684--1795	158	(17)
Conclusion	175	(10)
Index	185