The Great Wall of China began as segments of a wall put up for protection by other parts of China and its neighboring countries. The single parts of the wall weren't connected until the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC). Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor during the Qin Dynasty, began pulling out anyone who wasn't working on land to go work on the wall. He stationed armies at the wall to guard the workers, and to protect the northern boundaries. This ritual lasted for many centuries. In each dynasty workers added to the height width and length of the wall. It wasn't until the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) when the Great Wall became into its present form.
The wall served well throughout the centuries, but when the Qing Dynasty hit, the Manchurians were able to gain power because of the weak government and poverty in the people. The Manchurians seized the throne and combined forces with other tribes, and drove some out of the land to other distant plains. The emperor then had control over both sides of the wall. In 1912 a two year old boy named Pu Yi became the last emperor of China when a movement led by Sun- Yat put the Manchurians out of power. From then on China was led by a president, and there were no more emperors or dynasties.
Today, The Great Wall of China has lost its military importance, and has become a main tourist attraction. The Wall is in great shape and holds many events such as The Great Wall Marathon. It can be seen from the Earth's orbit, but not from the moon. The Great Wall is a universal symbol of China, as the Statue of Liberty is to the United States. The wall is about 5,000 kilometers, and travels through many different areas. The Great Wall of China is a beautiful historical monument that is a pleasure to see.
