Short and small-scale wars in the Spring and Autumn period
However, compared with the short and small-scale wars in the Spring and Autumn period, the wars in the warring states period lasted much longer and caused enormous human losses as introduced in chapter two. “Qin’s defeat of Zhao in 260 B.C.E. came after a campaign that lasted three years and involved hundreds of thousands of soldiers on each side deadlock across a front that stretched more than a hundred miles.” As from the description above, warfare inevitably causes the country to lose its working population rapidly. Therefore, we can shift our attention to China under Mongol rule; the Mongols subsequently conducted three major wars against the southern Song dynasty before they took control all over China and established their reign. Having accumulated experience from previous wars, the Mongols incorporated multiethnic soldiers and deployed superior catapults introduced by Muslim engineers. With the use of all the advanced technology, the Mongols prevailed in the struggle with the Southern Song dynasty. In response to the invasion across the Yangzi in 1275, the empress called on people to defend their country. Nevertheless, although there were two hundred thousand voluntarily accepted the order, they were unfortunately eliminated by the Mongols. Here, it is no doubt that the advancement of technology can lead to further devastation.
- In summary, it is evident that warfare results in a downfall in social development and human progress. In terms of the political regime, the emergence of warfare can undermine a state’s political system and stability severely. It can get done as to the cultural aspect, the warfare destroys the essence of precious old classics and leaves a profound reflection on the future generations; in regards to the economy, the warfare does nothing but hinders the steady economic growth. Even though it gets proved that warfare can somehow facilitate technological improvement, the deaths and further devastation can be unavoidable. Hence, political instability, economic decline, and cultural loss are the victims of warfare. How to avoid wars and cherish peace should be the eternal topic pursued by human society.