their country, home to one of the greatest and ancient civilizations in the world, long on leading science and technology, was isolated from the great wave of technological advancement that began in the west in the 16th century. it was late coming to the powerful economic gains that began with the industrial revolution in the 18th century. it was dominated by outside powers during the 19th century. and for the last century when this chinese couple s parents and grandparents were alive, china suffered through a collapsing chain dynasty. civil wars. a brutal operation by japan, and a prolonged battle between the forces of mazadan. one that struggled and plunged the country into highly revolutionized experiments. from the great leap forward to the cultural revolution, all which failed.