The Political Development of Imperial China

The Government of Imperial China Mandate of Heaven- Heaven supported the dynasty for as long as the emperor ruled well.

China’s First Dynasty: Qin B.C.E. Imperial China (ruled by an emperor) Dynasties (ruling families) 221 B.C.E. (first emperor) Qin Shihuangdi unites 7 kingdoms of China to become first emperor.

The Han Dynasty Han Dynasty ruled during a golden age from 206 B.C.E. to 220 C.E. Han dynasty uses civil service exams based on Confucianism.

Confucianism Confucius (pictured) taught that people must act properly in five important relationships: ruler and subject, father and son, older sibling and younger sibling, husband and wife, and friend and friend. Those above should be kind; those below should show respect and obey.

Confucianism Emperors believed that government officials who had studied Confucius would be rational, moral, and able to maintain order.

The Han Lose the Mandate of Heaven. 360 years of chaos follows as China breaks up into smaller kingdoms and warlords (a military leader operating outside the control of the government) fight for control.

The Sui dynasty reunites China. Dynasty rules from 589 until 618.

The Tang Dynasty: Tang mostly used educated aristocracy (a ruling class of noble families) as scholar-officials to run government

Tang Civil Service Examinations The Tang dynasty (like the Han dynasty) used civil service examinations based on the works of Confucius.

Collapse of the Tang Peasant rebellions help lead to Tang collapse in 907 Chaos for 50 to 60 years

The Song Dynasty: Song reunify country in 960 Song create meritocracy (rule by officials that earn their positions)

Neo-Confucianism Neo-Confucianism - a blend of Confucius teachings with elements of Buddhism and Daoism became the basis of civil service exams in 1190.

Meritocracy Song made it so people from lower classes could get education to pass exams.

Mongol Invasion Song dynasty ends with invasion by the Mongols

Yuan Dynasty: Temujin, Genghis Khan starts Mongol empire in 1206 and conquers Northern China Kublai Khan, completes conquest of China, begins Yuan dynasty.

Mongol Empire

Government by Foreigners Under Yuan, Mongols and foreigners (such as Marco Polo) controlled all the important government positions. Abandonment of civil service exams.

The Ming Dynasty: Mistreatment of Chinese cause rebellion. Ming re-establishes civil service examinations.

Advantages of Ming Civil Service System well-organized government; emphasized moral behavior, justice, kindness, loyalty to emperor, proper conduct, loyalty to family; it gave poor men an opportunity to be government official; it ensured that government officials were trained and talented

Disadvantages of Ming Civil Service System Exams did not test science, mathematics, and engineering; Confucian scholars had little respect for merchants, business, and trade; bureaucracy became set in its way and was unable to adapt.

China Develops a New Economy

Under the Song Dynasty A new type of rice allowed farmers to plant at least two crops of rice per year---  Rice production increased- -  Population increased (especially in south) and landowners became wealthier--  Trade increased as landowners wanted to spend money on luxury goods--  Traders brought more luxury items to local markets--  Large cities developed.

Changes in Agriculture Many farmers fled south from Huang He river basin to Chang Jiang river basin to escape Mongols. New type of rice and improvements in agriculture (plow, harrow, and chain pump) Peasants also grow tea, cotton, sugar, and mulberry trees. Surplus of food leads to specialization which leads to growth of cities.

The Growth of Trade and Commerce The landowners demand for luxuries spurred trade. A vast network of rivers and canals (including the Grand Canal) connected different parts of China. Improvements in navigation increased overseas trade. Increased trade lead to copper shortage which lead to paper currency Increased trade lead to merchant class. China attains highest standard of living in the world. Growth of cities

Urbanization People moved to cities for economic opportunities. Marco Polo is amazed by the size of Chinese cities. Women lose status in cities and foot binding becomes a common practice.