Rise and Fall of Chinese Empires Chapter 3, Section 4

Period of the Warring States  Lasted from 403 – 221 B.C.E.  There were seven powerful states vying for domination. Yan Zhao Qi Wei Han Chu Largest territory Qin Most Powerful  The state of Qin eventually conquered them all bringing the Period of the Warring States to an end.

The Search for Order During the Chaos  During the Period of the Warring States, people desired and sought social and political order.  Some people withdrew from society.  Concerned themselves only with their individual tranquility  Some people searched for order within society.  Considered the proper roles of people in society  Explored philosophical systems as a possible means of restoring order

Philosophical Systems  There were three main philosophical systems that gained importance in China during this time. Confucianism Daoism Legalism  These philosophies greatly influenced China’s culture in two ways. Political traditions Cultural traditions

Confucianism  Founded by Kong Fuzi ( B.C.E.)  Emphasized morality and leading by example  He sought to create junzi, individuals who were well educated with superior morality.  He hoped that by creating junzi, they would gain influence and become leaders, bringing order and morality to the government and people of China.  Aside from his political beliefs, he also emphasized morality and ethics which are represented in the virtues of Confucianism.

Virtues of Confucianism  Xiao Filial piety  Respecting your parents and family elders  Taking care of them  Supporting them in old age  Honoring them after death  Ren  Benevolence  Charity  Humanity  Li  Correct behavior  Politeness  Ceremony  Worship

Virtues of Confucianism (cont’d) Yi Honesty Uprightness Zhong  Conscientiousness  Loyalty  Doing your bes t Shu  Reciprocity  Consideration for others  Altruism

Virtues of Confucianism (cont’d) Zhi  Knowledge  Wisdom Xin  Faithfulness  Integrity “To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.” - Kong Fuzi, also known as Confucius

Daoism  Founded by Laozi (6 th century B.C.E.)  Emphasizes inaction and harmony  Daosists believe that less government is better and do not involve themselves with politics.  Main focuses of Daoism Nature Health and longevity The relationship between humanity and the cosmos Achieving harmony with the universe

Virtues of Daoism  Wuwei The main virtue of Daoism Translates as “without action” or “action through inaction”  The “Three Treasures” or “Three Jewels”  Ci Compassion Love Kindness  Jian Moderation Economy Restraint  Wei tianxia xian Translates “Not dare to be first in the world” Humility Modesty

Legalism  Founders were Shang Yang, Han Feize and other Legalists (390 B.C.E. – 338 B.C.E.)  Did not address ethics or morality  Emphasized military and agriculture as the main contributors to a state’s strength

Tools of Legalism  Fa Translates as “law or principle” Law must be made public. Laws must be clearly understandable. Laws should reward or punish according to behavior. All people under the law must be treated the same in accordance with it.  Shu Translates “method, tactic or art” The ruler must keep secrets to ensure that others do not take control. The ruler must keep his motivations hidden so that they can not be used by people to advance within the organization.

Tools of Legalism (cont’d)  Shi Translates “legitimacy, power or charisma” The position holds the power, not the ruler. The ruler must analyze trends, context and facts to keep his power as ruler. In the end, it was Legalism that ended the Period of the Warring States and Unified China.

Qin Dynasty  Created by Qin Shihuangdi  First Chinese emperor  Described as having “the chest of a bird of prey, the voice of a jackal, and the heart of a tiger”

 Created the first successful empire in China’s history  Did this by building roads and using a unifying national language  Built canals and expanded the empire vigorously

Terra-cotta Warriors  When Qin died left behind a huge tomb complex for himself  Included an army of 6000 terra-cotta warriors, 7,000 bronze weapons, terra-cotta horses, chariots, ships, etc.

The Great Wall of China  Built the Great Wall of China to protect his empire  Great wall, not really one single was, but a series of defensive fortifications

 Qin also changed the way the government worked, followed the policies of Legalism  Created a highly centralized bureaucracy, including the censorate  The censorate was composed of inspectors who checked to make sure the government officials were doing their jobs.

Han Dynasty  One of the greatest of all of the Chinese dynasties  Liu Pang founded the dynasty in 202 BCE Began life as a peasent  Abandoned the Legalistic policies

Han Dynasty  Emperor Han Wudi expanded the empire  Conquered Vietnam, and the coast along the South China Sea.  Also drove Barbarian tribes back beyond the Great Wall.

Han Dynasty  Also changed how people were appointed to government positions  Officials were chosen by their merits and not by their friends  Had to take a test, the civil service exam, based on Confucian ideals to prove that they were capable of doing their jobs  Students learned Confucian ideals.

The Fall of the Han Dynasty  Rulers became weak and obsessed with the pleasures of court life.  Officials became corrupt, and nobles began to amass more power and land ownership.  Eventually constant war with northern barbarians, court corruption, and peasant uprisings bring an end to the Han.

Technology of the Han  Technological advancements: Water mills Iron casting – led to invention of steel Paper – originally wrote on silk Rudder for ships – allowed ships to sail into the wind for the first time.