The Basic Structure and Characteristics of China's Ancient Economy

First, about ancient agriculture. The early agricultural production mode experienced three development stages: slash-and-burn cultivation, stone hoe cultivation (ploughing) and iron plow Niu Geng. Correspondingly, the farming method has also changed from collective labor to individual production. The land system has experienced three stages of development: primitive clan commune land ownership, state-owned land ownership and private land ownership. Small-scale peasant economy is the basic mode of agricultural production in ancient China, and intensive cultivation is the main feature of Chinese traditional agriculture.

Second, about ancient handicrafts. During the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, handicrafts were monopolized by the government. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, with the privatization of land and the formation of small-scale peasant economy, the monopoly of the government was broken, and powerful and exquisite government-run handicrafts coexisted with folk handicrafts that met the needs of the broad masses of people. Folk handicrafts include private handicrafts and household handicrafts. China ancient handicraft industry has a long history, superb technology and exquisite craftsmanship, and has been at the forefront of the world for a long time.

Third, about ancient commerce. During the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, commerce was also controlled by the government. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, with the development of agriculture and handicrafts, private businessmen rose rapidly, thus promoting the development of commerce. However, under the policy of "emphasizing agriculture and restraining commerce", ancient commerce developed in a difficult situation. During the Song and Yuan Dynasties, commerce developed unprecedentedly, and during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, commerce developed to a new height. Foreign trade has always been an important aspect of China's ancient commerce, and it has been developing and prospering. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, although foreign trade was suppressed by the government and its development was seriously hindered, it still played an important role in the international trade system.

Fourth, about ancient economic policies. The textbook mainly involves three aspects. First of all, land annexation brought by land privatization has seriously affected agricultural development and political stability. Some ancient dynasties formulated policies to curb land annexation, but it was not enough to solve the problem of land annexation. Second, the policy of "emphasizing agriculture and restraining business" has been used by successive governments. This policy has its objective background in ancient history, but its negative impact on the development of commodity economy and social progress is very prominent. Thirdly, the policy of "sea ban" and "closed door" after Ming and Qing Dynasties seriously hindered the development of budding capitalism, which led to China falling behind the world.