History and Culture of China Chapter 22, section 2
Early History Accomplishments: Magnetic compass, gunpowder, paper, printing, silk
Early History Dynasties: Rulers from same family line Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han… Qin-First to unite China under one empire Last dynasty: Qing-Manchu invaders
Early History Outside Influences Often limited contact with outside world 1500’s Europeans forced Chinese to trade
Modern History Revolution and Civil War: 1911-Rebels forced out last emperor Power struggles until end of civil war in 1949 New Government-People’s Republic of China Mao Zedong –Communist leader
Modern History Communist China Under Mao Unsuccessful economic programs, limited freedoms
Modern History Communist China Since Mao China’s economy modernized and improved Private businesses allowed, countries encouraged to invest
China’s People and Culture Population and Settlement Most people live in Manchurian and North China Plains World’s largest population
China’s People and Culture Ethnic groups and Language 92% Han Chinese Many speak Mandarin-China’s official language 55 other ethnic groups
China’s People and Culture Religion, Values, and beliefs Communist government discourages religion Two main belief systems Daoism and Buddhism Blend with Confucianism
China’s People and Culture Arts and Culture Calligraphy-decorative writing Traditional architecture- pagodas