The Invention Of Paper: Impact On The Advancement Of Civilization

Words: 1580
Pages: 7
Open Document
The invention of paper had a profound impact on the advancement of civilization. Prior to the invention of paper, information was recorded on various materials such as papyrus, animal skins, or stone. Made from a cellulose-based pulp, paper was likely created in China around 100 B.C.E. by Cai Lun, a Chinese inventor during the Han Dynasty. Although China tried to keep this invention a secret, the process of creating paper eventually spread to the west, impacting civilizations in Europe and Asia. The impact of the invention of paper allowed civilizations to modernize more quickly due to the consequent advancements in government, education, and economics.
The speed with which the governments of many civilizations were able to modernize was significantly …show more content…
Although some European countries were hesitant to accept paper at first, it gradually grew very popular. Huge amounts of paper were being produced for low prices, so people could afford to buy it. Paper was a very light form of money that could easily carried around, yet it was eventually worth more than gold. Since paper money was more convenient than gold, people carried it around more and spent more money, which helped the economy of the empire. Also, one of the reasons that paper grew popular was that it could be produced relatively easily and for less money than other materials that were previously used instead of paper. For instance, papyrus required specific conditions to in order to grow, while paper could be produced easily in large quantities. Similarly, the process involved in making parchment was very complicated and required much preparation, whereas paper does not. According to Marco Polo, a Venetian merchant who wrote an account of his travels to Asia in the 13th century, "with...paper-money [people in the empire] can buy what they like anywhere over the Empire, whilst it is also vastly lighter to carry about on their journeys” (Polo). This emphasizes that once the empire established a standard currency throughout the empire, people did not need to convert their money whenever they travelled to a new part of the empire, which encouraged them to spend more money on luxury items. Additionally, the fact that paper money was “vastly lighter” than other forms of money encouraged people to make longer journeys to spend money, which benefited the economy tremendously. Polo also explains that "When any of those pieces of paper [money] are spoilt - not that they are so very flimsy neither - the owner carries them to the Mint, and by paying three percent on that value he gets new pieces in exchange" (Polo). The fact that anyone who damages money must bring
Show More

Related Documents: The Invention Of Paper: Impact On The Advancement Of Civilization

Ancient Greek Innovation

Innovations and inventions have always been foremost in the progression of civilized society. Many of these developments started abrupt advancement, while others merely provided the basis for potential development for the future. The progress was often slow and erratic but led to what was considered luxuries of their time and necessities of our current age. From the centuries old employment of stone technology at the beginning of recorded human history to present-day technology, invention and innovation…

Words 838 - Pages 4

Essay about Ancient Chinese Contributions

known that China is the source of many wonderful and useful inventions. There are many Chinese inventions and developments that were not known to or adopted by the European world for many decades and sometimes centuries after they were common place in China. We take a lot of things for granted in the modern world. As time progresses, it becomes easier to overlook the contributions of those who came before us. Ancient inventions from the Chinese have so greatly accelerated human progress that…

Words 894 - Pages 4

Fcuk: Islam and National Geographic Essays

Religion Moviefone ARTS The Women Of Global Street Art No-Photoshop Artist Transforms Tiny Studio Into A Series Of Ethereal Wonderlands The 20 Best Music Videos Of 2013 Origami Artist Wants To Create A Life-Size Elephant From One Single Sheet Of Paper The 30 Best Art Books Of 2013 Go to Arts MORE IN ARTS Painting Film Design Photography Theater Architecture YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE Books NY Los Angeles SCIENCE Is The Universe A Hologram? 1.8K WATCH: Nasty Little Bugs Create Beautiful…

Words 2222 - Pages 9

Essay about The Evolution and Impact of Information Technology in Businesses

The Evolution and Impact of Information Technology in Businesses Introduction to Business BA101 January 15, 2013 The Evolution and Impact of Information Technology in Businesses The rise of the technological advancement in society has had a major impact in today’s business world. Technological development has restructured the way businesses operate effecting the business structure, advertisement, marketing, and communication. With the advancement of information technology, coupled globalization…

Words 1242 - Pages 5

Diamond's Geography Exam: Questions And Answers On The European Economy

Economics 4130 AU12 Midterm 2 Review The exam will have 10, 10-point questions on it from the questions below. 1. The evolution of economic organization from hunter-gatherer to settled agriculture to more complex civilizations proceeded at vastly different paces in different parts of the world. A) Explain why the pace of development on the Eurasian landmass was so much more rapid than in Africa and the Americas. (I’ll ask for specifics on what she’s looking for here) B) Describe and explain…

Words 5428 - Pages 22

Cont Change Essays

This resulted in urbanization and a commercial market economy. This then led to technological development, such as gunpowder, the magnetic compass, movable type, and high quality porcelain. The economy also boasted the creation of “flying cash” and paper money. All in all, many major political, social, economic, and religious changes occurred in East Asia during 500 C.E. – 1450 C.E. East Asia also displayed continuity between 500 C.E. – 1450 C.E. the patriarchal society of China continued and foot…

Words 8464 - Pages 34

Gp Essay Mainpoints

GP NOTES 2010 (ESSAY) Content Page 1. Media a. New vs. Traditional b. New: narcissistic? c. Government Censorship d. Profit-driven Media e. Advertising f. Private life of public figures g. Celebrity as a role model h. Blame media for our problems i. Power + Responsibility of Media j. Media ethics k. New Media and Democracy 2. Science/Tech a. Science and Ethics b. Government and scientist role in science c. Rely too much on technology? d. Nuclear technology…

Words 24667 - Pages 99