Sima Qian - Records of the Grand Historian |
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"The Xiongnu had defeated the king of the Yuezhi and had made his skull into a drinking vessel. As a result the Yuezhi…bore a constant grudge against the Xiongnu, though as yet they had been unable to find anyone to join them in an attack on their enemy…. When the emperor* heard this, he decided to try to send an envoy to establish relations with the Yuezhi." - Sima Qian (died 86 B.C.E.), Records of the Grand Historian *Wudi |
Directions: Answer the following document-based questions using the reading and your knowledge of social studies. 1. Why did the Yuezhi hold a grudge against the Xiongnu? 2. Why did Emperor Wudi move to establish relations with the Yuezhi? Click here to print. Answers will vary. |
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Emperor Wu of Han, often referred to as Emperor Wudi, sought to establish relations with the Yuezhi for several strategic and geopolitical reasons.
Alliance Against the Xiongnu: The primary motivation behind Emperor Wu's interest in the Yuezhi was to form an alliance against the Xiongnu, a powerful nomadic confederation that posed a significant threat to the Han Dynasty. The Xiongnu had been a constant menace to the Chinese states, frequently raiding Han territories and demanding tribute. Emperor Wu believed that an alliance with the Yuezhi, another formidable nomadic group, would help to counter the Xiongnu's influence and military power. Military and Mercenary Assistance: Emperor Wu saw the Yuezhi as potential allies who could provide military support and mercenaries to assist the Han Dynasty in its struggle against the Xiongnu. The Yuezhi were known for their skill in horse breeding and warfare, and their assistance in the form of cavalry and archers could strengthen the Han military. Access to the Silk Road: The Yuezhi controlled portions of the Silk Road, the ancient network of trade routes that connected China with Central Asia and the Mediterranean. Establishing relations with the Yuezhi allowed the Han Dynasty to secure safer and more direct access to these lucrative trade routes, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between East and West. Expansion of the Han Empire: Emperor Wu was an ambitious ruler who sought to expand the territorial boundaries of the Han Dynasty. Establishing relations with the Yuezhi could potentially lead to the incorporation of their territories into the Han Empire. This expansion would not only enhance the Han's power but also contribute to economic prosperity. Geopolitical Balance: By forming alliances with various nomadic groups, Emperor Wu aimed to create a balance of power among these groups and prevent them from uniting against the Han Dynasty. He employed a strategy of "using barbarians to control barbarians," seeking to play these nomadic tribes against each other for the benefit of the Han Empire. Overall, Emperor Wu's outreach to the Yuezhi was part of his broader geopolitical strategy to strengthen the Han Dynasty's position, counter the Xiongnu threat, and expand the empire's influence and access to the valuable trade routes of the Silk Road. |
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