Rise of Civilization in China
Feb 24, 2016
Rise of Civilization in China
China’s Geography Isolated due to physical barriers
Isolation contributed to belief that China was the center of the world• Still managed to have contact with other cultures
Gobi Desert
Mountains
Rain Forest
Pacific Ocean
Huang (Yellow) River Heartland of China
Where Neolithic people first learned to farm
“River of Sorrows”
China Takes Shape Shang Dynasty – 1st Dynasty
• 1766-1122 B.C.E.
Clan leaders organized to fight off nomadic invaders
social classes developed
Zhou Dynasty (1122-256 B.C.E.) “Mandate of Heaven”
• Divine right to rule• Used to explain the dynastic cycle
Developed into a feudal state
China’s economy grew• iron-working arrived in 600s BCE• money economy• prosperity led to increase in population
Dynastic Cycle
Religious Beliefs Develop late Zhou Period – filled with warfare
between rival feudal states
Confucius• life dedicated to education and public service
• took little interest in spiritual matter like salvation
• developed a philosophy focused on social order and good (as in just) government
Confucianism harmony results when
people accept their place in society• 5 key relationships
Everyone has duties and responsibilities• correct behavior brings order & stability
• filial piety above all others
Daoism Sought harmony with nature
Focused on “the way” of the universe• the Dao
Reject conflict, strife and “unnatural ways” of society• Ex: Government
Eventually Confucianism & Daoism became blended
Achievements of Early China Calendar of 356 ¼ days
Silk-making discovered by 2640 BCE
Writing system developed 4,000 y.a.• Made up of characters
Shi Huangdi Unifies China authoritarian Qin government
abolished feudalism• Replaced with military districts
Used Legalist advisors• Only way to achieve order is strict laws and harsh punishment
promoted unity• built Great Wall
Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 AD) Emperor Wudi (141 -87 BCE)
• monopoly on salt and iron• expansionism led to network of trade routes = Silk Road
Confucianism became official belief system
Civil Service System developed• Earn govt. position based on merit & knowledge of Confucian thought
Golden Age of the Han Scientific achievements
• astronomy• medicine
Most technologically advanced civilization of its time• paper making• shipbuilding – added rudder for steering
• suspension bridges
Buddhism is slowly
accepted by Chinese