Book Summary of "Why Empire: Re-examining Chinese History from a Financial Perspective"Chapter 1: IntroductionKey points: - Theme introduction: This book analyzes Chinese history from a financial perspective and explores the relationship between the financial system and state governance. - Research significance: Looking at history through finance can reveal the political, economic and social changes in Chinese history. - Structure introduction: The book is divided into six chapters, from the Pre-Qin Dynasty to the late Qing Dynasty, analyzing the financial situation of each period one by one. Chapter 2: Pre-Qin Finance: The Formation and Initial Development of the StateSection 1: Fiscal Revenue in the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties - Tax Origin: The tribute tax system of the Xia Dynasty marked the embryonic form of taxation. - The Well-field System of the Zhou Dynasty: The land system and tax policy were combined to ensure the stability of national finances. Section 2: Fiscal Reforms in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period - Ironware and Commerce: Technological progress and the rise of commerce prompted changes in the tax system. - War and Finance: The war competition between countries during the Warring States Period promoted the reform of the tax system. Chapter 3: Qin and Han Dynasties: The unification of the empire and the centralization of financeSection 1: The centralized system of the Qin Dynasty - Unified weights and measures: Standardized processes to facilitate taxation. - County system: Strengthen the central control over local governments and stabilize national finances. Section 2: Fiscal policy of the Han Dynasty - Agriculture-oriented policy to suppress commerce: Promote agricultural development and stabilize the tax base. - Equal transportation system: Balance the circulation of materials and tax burdens in various places. Chapter 4: From the Three Kingdoms to the Sui and Tang Dynasties: The evolution of finance in the cycle of division and unificationSection 1: Fiscal characteristics of the Three Kingdoms period - War economy: In a state of war, finance mainly serves military needs. - Territory economy: Local separatist forces form a self-sufficient economic system. Section 2: Fiscal innovations in the Sui and Tang Dynasties - Imperial examination system: Select officials, which to a certain extent guarantees the professionalism of financial management. - Rent and labor system: Taxation based on population and land, simplifying tax procedures. Chapter 5: Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties: The Maturity of the Empire and the Fiscal CrisisSection 1: Fiscal Expansion in the Song Dynasty - Commercial Prosperity: Urban development led to an increase in commercial taxes. - Monopoly System: The state implemented a monopoly on key commodities to increase revenue. Section 2: The Dilemma of Ming and Qing Fiscal Affairs - Land Annexation Issue: It weakened agricultural productivity and the tax base. - Pressure of Foreign Wars: It increased the consumption of national financial resources. Chapter 6: ConclusionKey Points: - Finance and National Governance: The fiscal system is an important factor affecting the effectiveness of national governance. - Lessons from History: The successes and failures of finance in history provide valuable reference for modern finance. - Enlightenment and Outlook: Explore how to provide support for the country&39;s long-term development and stability through fiscal reform.

For the book "Why Empire: Re-examining Chinese History from a Financial Perspective", I have selected some wonderful sentences or paragraphs from it. These sentences or paragraphs show the author Liu Shougang's profound insight into Chinese history from a financial perspective, and the language is beautiful and full of wisdom. 1. "Finance is the blood of the empire. By observing its flow, we can know the rise and fall of the country." —— This sentence uses blood to metaphorize finance, vividly revealing the close connection between finance and the fate of the country. 2. "Taxation is not only the circulation of money, but also the support of the people." —— It profoundly points out that taxation is not only an economic issue, but also a political and social issue. 3. "The rise of the empire is often accompanied by the reform of the fiscal system; and the collapse of finance is often a harbinger of the decline of the country." —— It summarizes the historical laws between the reform of the fiscal system and the rise and fall of the country. 4. "In the financial history of the empire, we see not only the changes in numbers, but also the evolution of civilization and the changes in society." —— It emphasizes the multi-dimensional value of fiscal history research. 5. "The financial history written by Liu Shougang is a vivid record of the growth of the Chinese Empire, full of wisdom and insight." —— The book reviewer's high evaluation of the author shows the influence of the book. 6. "Re-examining history from the perspective of finance, we will find many neglected details and the logic hidden behind it." —— It reflects the unique research perspective and methodology of this book. 7. "The financial system of the empire is like a complex living organism, with each part interdependent and jointly maintaining the operation of the country." —— The metaphor is vivid, revealing the complexity and integrity of the financial system. 8. "Between the severity of taxation, the political wisdom of the empire and social stability have found a delicate balance." —— In-depth exploration of the relationship between taxation and political and social stability. 9. "Liu Shougang is not only a financial historian, but also a thinker. Every stroke of his pen is full of profound reflection on history." —— Affirmation of the author's academic status and achievements. 10. "Through the lens of finance, we see the other side of the operation of imperial power: both coercion and negotiation; both plunder and reciprocity." —— Revealing the complex relationship between finance and power operation. 11. "The financial crisis of the empire is often not just the collapse of the economy, but also the disintegration of political trust and social order." - Analyzes the social and political impact of the financial crisis from a deeper level. 12. "Between the glory and decline of the empire, finance has always played an important role. It is both a promoter and a witness." - Summarizes the key role of finance in the history of the empire. 13. "Liu Shougang's book is not only a review of the financial history of the Chinese Empire, but also an innovation in the research methods of historical studies." - Highlights the methodological contribution of this book. 14. "From a financial perspective, every major decision of the empire is a game and redistribution of interests." - Reveals the logic of interests behind financial decisions. 15. "The financial history of the empire is a history of the complex relationship between power, wealth and the people." - Profoundly expounds the essence of financial history. 16. "In Liu Shougang's writing, the finances of the empire are not only cold numbers, but also vivid historical scenes." - Appreciates the author's vivid narration of financial history. 17. "Through in-depth research on fiscal history, we can better understand the governance logic and institutional changes of the empire." - Emphasized the importance of fiscal history research in understanding the history of the empire. 18. "The empire's fiscal system is like a mirror, reflecting the economic structure, political structure and cultural features of the society at that time." - The metaphor is appropriate, showing the multiple reflection functions of the fiscal system. 19. "Liu Shougang's book is not only a contribution to professional scholars, but also a feast of knowledge for the vast number of history lovers." - Evaluated the value of this book in popularizing historical knowledge. 20. "Looking at Chinese history from a fiscal perspective, we can not only discover a new face of history, but also provide valuable inspiration for the present and the future." - Summarized the research significance and practical value of this book.

Liu Shougang: An Explorer of Chinese History from a Fiscal Perspective Liu Shougang, a scholar who focuses on the intersection of Chinese history and finance, has presented us with a series of fascinating historical works with his unique perspective and in-depth research.< This article will comprehensively introduce this historian from the aspects of personal basic information, education and professional background, writing career, work style and theme, personal life, social influence, citations and evaluations, and latest developments.

1.< Personal Basic Information Liu Shougang, born in the 1970s, is a Chinese historian specializing in fiscal history.

His research areas cover China's ancient to modern fiscal systems, tax policies, and their interactive relationship with social economy.< 2.

Education and Professional Background Liu Shougang graduated from Peking University with a doctorate in history.< Since then, he has taught at many well-known universities, such as Tsinghua University and Renmin University of China, as a professor and doctoral supervisor.

His academic achievements have been recognized by his peers, and he has won many national and provincial scientific research awards.< 3.

Writing Career Liu Shougang's writing career began in the early 2000s, and his first work, "History of Ancient Chinese Finance," attracted the attention of the academic community.

Since then, he has published a number of monographs on the history of Chinese finance, such as "History of Modern Chinese Finance", "Finance and Empire: Fiscal System and State Governance in the Ming and Qing Dynasties", etc.< These works have not only had a wide impact in the academic community, but also been loved by ordinary readers.

4.< Work style and theme Liu Shougang's works are known for their rigorous academic attitude, detailed historical research and unique financial perspective.

He is good at analyzing historical events from a financial perspective, revealing the economic logic and social changes behind them.< The themes of his works mostly focus on China's ancient to modern financial system, tax policies and their relationship with state governance.

5.< Personal life There is little public information about Liu Shougang's personal life.

But from his works and interviews, it can be seen that he is a scholar who loves history and is diligent in thinking.< His research interests are broad, not only limited to financial history, but also involving politics, economy, society and other fields.

6.< Social impact Liu Shougang's works have had a wide impact in the academic community and ordinary readers.

His works have been cited many times and have become an important reference for studying Chinese history, especially financial history.< In addition, he actively participates in public lectures, academic seminars and other activities to popularize historical knowledge and improve the public's historical literacy.

7.< Quotations and evaluations Liu Shougang's works have been highly praised by authoritative media, experts and institutions.

The People's Daily once commented that his "Why Empire: Re-looking at Chinese History from a Financial Perspective" is "a groundbreaking historical work that provides us with a new perspective for understanding Chinese history.< " Zhang Hongjie, a famous historian and professor at Peking University, also said that Liu Shougang's research "has high academic value and is of great significance for understanding Chinese history.

" 8.< Latest developments Liu Shougang is still continuing his academic research and writing.

It is reported that he is preparing a new book on China's modern and contemporary financial history, which is expected to meet readers in the next few years.< In addition, he also plans to further promote his research results to the international academic community and communicate and cooperate with historians from all over the world.

In short, Liu Shougang is a scholar with profound attainments in the field of financial history.< His works provide us with a new perspective for understanding Chinese history, and also bring rich knowledge enjoyment to the academic community and ordinary readers.

We look forward to more of his research results in the future and make greater contributions to the development of history.