CHAPTER Four Notes

Lesson 1- Geography of China China, the largest country in Asia, is a land of contrasts in geography and climate. The North China Plain is home to fertile farmlands and the city of Beijing, China’s capital. The Huang, or “yellow”, River cuts through 3,_00 miles of northern China and has caused destructive floods.

Lesson 1- Geography of China The hot, steamy climate of the Guangxi Zhungzu makes it one of the best places in China for growing crops. The Tibetan Plateau provides challenges for those who live there. –rocky soil –hard to get food

Lesson 2- China’s Past Centuries-old written records reveal a long-lasting civilization in China with a culture that is continuous from its earliest recorded history to the present. The XIA period, which existed between 2000 B.C. and 1700 B.C. was characterized by legends of “superheroes”.

Lesson 2- China’s Past During the Shang Dynasty, farming was the way of life for people living in the Huang River Valley. This dynasty occurred during the Bronze Age. During the time period of Western Zhou, most people were farmers, and silk was an important part of the economy.

Lesson 2- China’s Past During the Eastern Zhou, the “golden age” of China, the economy thrived because a new monetary system encouraged trade. The government started new projects. New ways of thinking emerged.

Lesson 2- China’s Past In 221 B.C., Shi Huandgi became the emperor of China and formed new states, standardized systems of money and weights and measures, and started the building of the Great Wall of China. During the Han dynasty, China experienced many changes and advancements under the leadership of Wu Di.

Lesson 2- China’s Past The Han dynasty brought new inventions to China. The Silk Road provided access to the rest of the world and allowed the Chinese to trade with other countries.

Lesson 3- Legacy of Thought Confucius, a teacher of morals, found a place in a king’s court and earned a reputation as a great thinker and teacher. The core of Confucianism is respect for all people. As he taught, Confucius tried to give examples that were relevant to the daily lives of Chinese people.

Lesson 3- Legacy of Thought Other schools of thought emerged during this period of the “hundred schools of thought.”