Final answer:
The Great Wall of China was subverted by Mongol invaders, nomadic tribes, and Silk Road traders over different periods. Chinese dynasties themselves varied in their approach to its upkeep and defense, sometimes leading to internal subversion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Groups That Subverted the Great Wall of China
Among the groups that were able to get around or subvert the Great Wall of China, Mongol invaders are famously known for breaching the wall during their conquests. In addition to them, nomadic tribes from central Asia, such as the Xiongnu and the Jurchen, often raided or traded across the wall's boundaries.
While not a group that 'subverted' the wall in a military sense, Silk Road traders were granted passage for commerce, which was a crucial aspect of the Chinese economy.
Finally, Chinese dynasties, especially during the Ming period, built and maintained the wall as a defensive strategy, but at times, internal factions and regime changes led to varying degrees of attention for the upkeep and manning of the Great Wall.
The Mongol Empire under the leadership of Genghis Khan effectively circumvented the Great Wall through their military prowess and strategies. During different periods, other nomadic tribes capitalized on the Chinese focus on other fronts, using their superior mobility to bypass the Great Wall.
The Silk Road traders had strategic economic interests that aligned with those in power in China, allowing them to pass as part of sanctioned trade agreements and protection by the Han dynasty and subsequent regimes.
Dynastic changes, such as the rise of the Qing dynasty, led to different approaches to the security and control over the wall and its surrounding regions.
The Great Wall of China represented a significant site for defending against invasions from the north; however, its effectiveness was undermined by the ability of these groups to bypass its defenses.