Process Paper

My family has its roots in China, and because of that I have always wanted to do an
ancient Chinese topic for National History Day. In 2012, the theme proved impossible for me to
find a topic that fit both my Chinese interests and the requirements for the NHD, so I
compromised and picked a scientific turning point (I liked science at that time). This year,
however, the Leadership and Legacy theme left me free to finally do a topic I wanted, namely the
ancient Han Emperor Han Wudi. I had learned a little about him in World History, and wanted to
conduct a little more research into what his legacy was. When I told my dad, he approved, and I
think this is what finally made me make my final decision.
I first began my research by re-reading my sixth grade textbook to refresh my memory on
Han Wudi. I found a few online sources, along with my most used primary source, Records of
the Grand Historian of China, in class. A big part of my research was going to the University of
Floridas Library and Museum. My class and I went on a trip to the UF in early November, and
there I found textbooks, primary documents, and excerpts from professional historians on my
topic. I actually went to the UFs Harn Museum of Art separate from my class, as a side trip. I
wasnt expecting to find any art made in the Han era, but the museum surprised me. They had a
section devoted to Han art, and I was able to get a few photos for my website.
I chose the Website category for a few reasons. First, I have always had a natural aptitude
toward computers and am proficient in most computer programs. I thought that a website would
be a perfect example to present my work and show off my computer skills at the same time.
Second, although I was able to get a few primary photos, there were not enough to make any
other category. A website relies on written words to explain a topics significance in history, and

requires fewer photos. This was perfect for me, as I did not have many photos, but did have a
story to tell with words. I think that I made the right choice in presentation category.
Han Wudi was my chosen topic. He was an ancient Chinese emperor that ruled in the 100
B.C. era. He relates to the theme of Leadership and Legacy because he was not only a
government leader, but also a military general. He campaigned against the Hun army while
eliminating corrupt government officials and making Confucianism Chinas state orthodoxy. He
established the precedent that those who wanted to rule and were talented and honest should, and
those ideas are still seen in many governments today.