The Imperial Civil Exam System The Chinese civil examination system from 600 AD to the industrial revolution, was the most progressive system of its kind in the world. Theoretically the government's exams allowed any Chinese man an equal chance at even the highest positions in politics and society. In practice this may not have always been the case, but at least all social barriers were removed from one's path. Only economic realities may have put individuals …showed first 75 words of 2740 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2740 total…ty and Village: The Inequality of Opportunity". Problems in Asian Civilizations: The Chinese Civil Service, Career Open to Talent? Ed. Johanna M. Menzel. Lexington, MS: D.C. Health And Company, 1963. Mote, Fredrick W. Intellectual Foundations of China. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1989. 2nd ed. Wittfogel, Karal A. " The Hereditary Privilege vs. Merit". Problems in Asian Civilizations: The Chinese Civil Service, Career Open to Talent? Ed. Johanna M. Menzel. Lexington, MS: D.C. Health And Company, 1963.