Discuss the rise and fall of the Xiongnu. How were they able to challenge the strong Chinese state and why were they ultimately defeated?
What will be an ideal response?
A. Xiongnu challenge to China
1. war band could conduct raids, amass treasure, and use their wealth to build up large followings
2. believed Chinese wealth was another means to transform themselves into kings and emperors
B. Strength of Xiongnu
1. Chinese booty, ransom, and protection money enriched war chiefs
2. became wealthy enough to extend their followings
3. mobilized ever-larger forces
4. skilled in mounted archery
5. had benefits and advantages of mixed pastoralism
6. unresponsive to methods of China to absorbing huge numbers of subject peoples
7. Han efforts to recruit allies against them failed
C. Defeated by strong Chinese generals
1. Wei Qing mounted successful operations against the Xiongnu and inducted some of their bands or tribes into Chinese service
2. fortification of the Silk Roads followed
3. victories became infrequent as Chinese defenses prevailed
4. Xiongnu even abandoned hostilities
5. General Ban Zhao recruited nomads to fight nomads and secured victories at small cost in Chinese lives
6. increasing pressure from neighbors to the north and east
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