During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the princes were divided into many territories and fought for the world with each other. Amazingly, however, the establishment and demise of vassal states during this period tended to last longer than later great unified dynasties. What is the reason for this? What is the implications of this?
1. The vassal states check and balance each other, which is conducive to political stability
During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the princes fought against each other, and it seemed to be chaotic and turbulent. In reality, however, this kind of mutual containment is actually conducive to long-term political stability.
First of all, the mutual checks and balances between the vassal states prevented the dominance of either party. If a vassal state unifies the whole country, it is bound to establish a highly centralized autocratic dynasty, which often lacks sufficient checks and balances and constraints, and is prone to corruption and rigidity. The mutual containment between the vassal states during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period made it difficult for either side to dominate the world, thus roughly maintaining the political balance of power. This pattern is not conducive to the long-term rule of individual dynasties, but it is good for the stability of the overall political situation.
Secondly, although the conquest between the princes caused a certain amount of suffering to the people, it also forced the vassal states to pay attention to the people's livelihood in order to strengthen their own strength. Because only when the country is strong can it survive in the competition. In this way, all the vassal states had to pay attention to the well-being of the people and improve their national strength by improving political, economic, and cultural construction, so that the political system and social structure of the entire period were developed and perfected to a certain extent. Although there may be turmoil in the short term, in the long run, this model of mutual checks and balances and development is more conducive to political stability.
Second, geographical dispersion is conducive to adapting to environmental changes
During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the princes were distributed in different geographical regions, which made it easier for the vassal states to adapt to local environmental changes, thus enhancing their ability to survive.
Great unified dynasties often had to adopt uniform policies and measures in order to centralize their rule, which made it difficult for the entire country to fully adapt to the environmental differences in different regions. The vassal states of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, due to their dispersion of each other, could adopt more flexible governance methods according to their respective geographical conditions and resource characteristics. For example, in areas with high food production, policies to encourage agricultural development can be adopted; In areas where commerce and trade are developed, the focus can be on the development of the commercial economy. This approach to local conditions enables the vassal states to better adapt to the local environment and improve their ability to resist risks.
In addition, the competition between the vassal states also forced them to constantly innovate and reform in order to remain invincible in the fierce competition. Unified dynasties, on the other hand, often lack this constant pressure and motivation, and are therefore prone to falling into the trap of resting on their laurels.
Third, checks and balances of power are conducive to avoiding corruption
Compared with the Great Unification Dynasty, the checks and balances of power in the vassal states of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period were more effective, thus helping to avoid the spread of corruption. Great unified dynasties, because they concentrated all their power, were often prone to corruption. Because power is too centralized, there is a lack of effective checks and balances and supervision mechanisms. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the vassal states checked each other, making it difficult for either side to completely monopolize power. At the same time, the frequent conquests between the princes also forced them to pay attention to honesty and integrity, otherwise it would be difficult to survive in the fierce competition.
In addition, the checks and balances between the vassal states forced the rulers to pay more attention to public opinion in order to strengthen their own ruling base. Because only with the support of the people can the vassal states prevail in the competition. Therefore, the political ecology under this system is conducive to reducing the occurrence of corrupt behaviors.
Fourthly, geographical dispersion contributes to cultural diversity
Great unified dynasties often pursued cultural unity and standardization, which was conducive to centralized rule, but also made the culture of the whole country lose its due diversity and innovative vitality. The vassal states of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, due to their geographical dispersion, their respective cultural traditions and characteristics were maintained and developed. This cultural diversity not only enriched the cultural landscape of the entire period, but also laid the foundation for the cultural development of later generations.
At the same time, the frequent exchanges and competition between the vassal states also promoted the mutual borrowing and integration of cultures. The cultural essence of the different vassal states was able to absorb each other, resulting in more colorful cultural achievements. The diversified development of this culture laid a solid foundation for the later prosperity of the Han and Tang dynasties.
In short, although the political situation during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period was turbulent on the surface, there were actually some deep-seated checks and balances that were conducive to the long-term stability of the political situation and the sustainable development of society. Later unified dynasties, on the other hand, often lacked such an internal system of checks and balances, making them more prone to corruption and rigidity. This has undoubtedly provided us with a very good enlightenment for our current political reform and development.
The development of human society is often tortuous rather than overnight. We should draw on the wisdom of history, and while pursuing reunification, we should also pay attention to the checks and balances of power and the protection of regional differences, so as to ensure the sustained and healthy development of society. Only in this way will we be able to avoid some of the drawbacks of repeating history and create a better future.