Classical Chinese Civilization Ch. Two AP World History Ms. Tully

First…let’s learn a song. To the tune of Frere Jacques… Shang, Zhou (“Joe”), Qin (“chin”), Han Sui (“swee”), Tang, Song Yuan, Ming, Qing (“ching”), Republic Mao Zedong, Mao Zedong

I. Politics in Classical China

Patterns in Classical China Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han Isolated Dynasty  family of kings Cyclical nature of dynasties

Shang Dynasty ( BCE) First documented rule in China after Xia dynasty

Zhou Dynasty (1029 – 258 BCE) Did not establish powerful government Alliance system (feudalism) Extended Chinese territory, First use of iron The “Mandate of Heaven” Cultural & linguistic unity Disintegrated during “Era of the Warring States” (402 – 201 BCE)

The Qin Dynasty (221 – 201 BCE) Qin Shi Huangdi – The “First Emperor” Ended feudal tradition of Zhou Expansion & the Great Wall National census

The Qin Dynasty (221 – 201 BCE) Standardization of coinage, weights, and measures Standardization of written script Promoted agriculture & manufacturing Legalist Philosophy Short-lived, unpopular

The Han Dynasty (201 BCE – 220 CE) Completed basic political & intellectual structure of China Extended Chinese territory  new contacts Expansion of bureaucracy  civil service examination Wu Ti (140 – 87 BCE) Period of decline

Political Patterns in China Largest political system in classical world Patriarchal family structure & ancestor worship Classical model of centralized gov’t Creation of large, highly-skilled bureaucracy Not highly militaristic Promotion of intellectual life Economic activity & standardization Cultural deference to gov’t authority

II. Belief Systems of Classical China

Confucianism Chinese ethical and philosophical system based on relationships & personal virtue Est. by Kong Fuzi (551 – 478 BCE)  Confucius Reverence for tradition & respect for superiors Emphasis on virtuous behavior Valued education & history The Analects

Legalism Popular during Qin & early Han  authoritarianism Credited to Han Fei during Warring States Era Believed human nature was evil Strict system of laws & punishments Harsh rule of Shi Huangdi discredited Legalism

Daoism Founded by Lao Tzu (5 th Cen. BCE) More spiritual alternative to Confucianism Promoted set of ethics The Dao governs everything Encouraged people to withdraw from social life Greater appeal to common people

Each of these philosophies came about during the Era of Warring States. How did each of them try to address the problem of disorder in classical China?

III. Economy & Society in Classical China

Literature, Art, and Science The Five Classics – basis of literary tradition Learn & recite poetry = educated Reinforced Confucian ethics in Chinese culture Decorative, detailed art & calligraphy

Literature, Art, and Science No monumental buildings Accurate astronomy calendar by 444 BCE Medical research & anatomy

The Confucian Social System Three main social groups Landowning aristocracy + bureaucrats Laboring masses Mean people Considerable gaps between classes Social status inherited Period peasant rebellions – Yellow Turban Rebellion Inequalities justified by Confucian philosophy

Trade & Technology Trade became increasingly important Confucian ethics looked down on merchants Agricultural improvements Development of iron tools & tech Textiles & pottery Invention of paper Classical China reached far higher levels of technical expertise than Europe or western Asia

Gender & Family Life Family emphasize unity & patriarchy Authority overly stressed Patriarchy & “Three Obediences” Filial piety Women had clearly defined roles Inheritance based on primogeniture Greatly influenced by Confucianism Yin & Yang