The Great Wall Of China Dbq Analysis

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The Great Wall of China, built in 206 B.C, is over 5,000 miles and took over 2,000 years to finish. It is a very significant and prominent feature of Chinese society, yet did the benefits outweigh the cost. Having this in mind and viewing both sides of the argument, The Great Wall of China did not outweigh the costs because it took many individuals away from important jobs, as well as increased the number of casualties throughout all of China. A reason why the benefits did not outweigh the cost in particular is that many were taken from their families and forced to leave their jobs to construct the wall. Needing over 700,000 men to work on the wall caused many to uproot their lives and devote their time to the building it. Although, in interesting …show more content…
It is said that, “tens of thousands of soldiers died from hunger, sickness and extreme heat or cold” (Document E) this example displays why the benefits did not outweigh the costs because many people lost their lives on behalf of the construction of the wall. Having about 700,000 men work on the wall and 10s of thousand die, shows that what many went through was horrible and unjust. Having the wall be very close to the border near the north caused many to believe that “we fight south of the wall, we die north of the wall” (Document F) Bringing up the thought that those who worked and guarded the building of the wall would die north because they were in a situation that made it easier for them to be attacked. Being closer to the mongols led those who worked on the wall to be vulnerable. Trying to fight on the other side of the wall was hard because they were always near the border. This shows that the benefits did not outweigh the costs because it ultimately displays the reason why many feared working on the wall, because death was always near. 
 Although the thought of benefits not outweighing the costs may be one's opinion others may believe that the benefits do outweigh the cost. One may argue that the great wall created a virtual highway for promoting trade and connection with others. The wall could make others wealthy and have businesses flourish and add to the connection with others and the feel of being safe. Although this statement is true, the trade and promotion would most likely happen only once the wall was finished. Having this in mind the many years before the accomplishment of the entire Great wall made lives be affected when needed to move or lose original jobs. Another argument one may make is that the Great Wall made it safer for those in the future. This is apparent because with the extra layer of safety many felt a sense of relief. The wall

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