Warm-Up Questions Week 24 pg. 144 Monday – Which of the philosophies we learned about do you agree with most? Why? Tuesday – What was one effect the Silk Road had on the dynasties in Ancient China? Wednesday - What was the “Mandate of Heaven”? Thursday – How did the Dynastic Cycle negatively impact Ancient China? Friday - What were three products from the Silk Road that were traded to or from China?
Shang, Zhou, and Qin Dynasties
First “proven” Chinese dynasty Shang government lasted 3,500 years Shang Dynasty: 1700 to 1027 BC First “proven” Chinese dynasty Shang government lasted 3,500 years This was a farming civilization. Social classes were formed. First Chinese calendar was created Well developed writing system Bronze working was common
Mandate of Heaven The Shang dynasty was overthrown by the Zhou family. This family believed that the emperor, or ruler, was chosen by the gods to rule. If the gods were pleased with the ruler, they sent good harvests and victory in war. If they were not pleased, they were believed to cause floods and famine. (Famine is a time with no food.) This belief was used to explain the changing of dynasties for many years.
Mandate of Heaven
The kingdom began to fall apart; and there were many wars. Zhou Dynasty: 1024 to 256 BC China’s first written laws First use of money in economy rather than trading Iron tools were created and ox-drawn plows made farming easier One of the Zhou rulers was killed by invaders. The kingdom began to fall apart; and there were many wars. In this dynasty, Confucianism and Taoism were “born”.
Qin Dynasty: 221 - 206 BC Wars were ended and China united under the harsh rule of Huang Di. He believed that strict laws were needed to maintain order. Written language became standardized (uniform across the country) Many roads, canals, and much of the Great Wall was built during this short dynasty. Workers were forced to work on these projects. Improved transportation meant the emperor could move troops quicker to control the people.
The Great Wall Reason for building the walls: In order to ward off invasion (keep out invaders) Total length of over 4,500 miles Terra Cotta Soldiers: Found in tomb near the wall. Qin Emperor chose them to protect his tomb.