Ancient China Influence

Throughout most of China 's history, the country has remained rather isolated from from other nations and their influences. Although there are major instances in which outsiders were able to make significant impressions, such as the introduction of Buddhism, or the devastating opium wars. However, on a whole they were able to remain genuinely separated especially when compared to the development of other countries. In ancient China, this proved to be beneficial to their cultural development which is why they were able to become such an advanced and lasting ancient civilization. Without outside influences their culture was able to solidify, grow, and provide important advancements in ancient times, such as the first paper. This separation also meant that

The Song dynasty from 960-1279 AD, was a major influence on the education system in China. Public schools were created which allowed even the poorest citizens to receive an education. The Jinshi exam was adjusted and became much more structured yet relaxed. The exams were now given, once every three years with the local tests happening in autumn and the higher imperial examinations at the capitol occurring in the spring. They helped eliminate cheating at the regional level by requiring the names of the test takers to be hidden while graded by local examiners. On the actual test, Wang Anshi altered the content to include short answers about ancient texts rather than just writing down memorized verses. There changes proved to be beneficial because under Song, hundreds were now passing the exam when previously, only around 30 people would pass. They also allowed those who failed, to apply for tolerance, which allowed people to work in the government as a low power official under the Emperor. Additionally, relatives of the emperor were no longer allowed to hold high government positions because officials were chosen on a merit based system. Nearly all high level officials gained their positions by passing the Jinshi