Mandate of Heaven

Let’s think… What causes a government to lose power and fall?

Reasons why governments collapse Internal problems: cause the people to be unhappy Needs aren’t being met People are starving People aren’t protected Lack of resources and order Government response to disaster is considered ineffective Economy

Reasons why governments collapse External problems: an outside force attacks and overthrows your government

China’s Leadership Dynasty: A series of rulers from the same family

Mandate of Heaven Belief in China that determines its leadership A power believed to be granted by a higher power that is thought to be the basis of royal authority (rule) The people of China believed that a ruler possessed the Mandate of Heaven as long as he ruled justly Belief creates a cyclical transfer of power called the “Dynastic Cycle”

China’s Dynastic Cycle

4 Principles of Mandate of Heaven The Mandate of Heaven is based on 4 principles: 1. The right to rule is granted by Heaven 2. There is only one Heaven therefore there can be only one ruler 3. The right to rule is based on the virtue of the ruler 4. The right to rule is not limited to one dynasty

Why Mandate of Heaven makes China unique Golden ages: a period of tranquility (peace) and prosperity (wealth) characterized by a strong government, strong economy, and advancements Allowed for time of peace in every new dynasty Created unity because all people throughout China supported same leader; fighting doesn’t continue after new leader chosen by the heavens

Mandate of Heaven: Order Provides ruler with supreme power– creates obedience, respect, loyalty to the winner because Heaven has selected its ruler Creates a process by which the people are able to recover quickly from chaos so that the civilization can continue to thrive Ensures good leadership and good laws because the ruler wants to keep the Mandate of Heaven Only allows rebellion when leadership has stopped being effective—prevents unnecessary civil war

Mandate of Heaven: Unity Creates a common belief-- all Chinese people believe in Mandate of Heaven Creates one leader that all Chinese people respect and obey regardless of their previous affiliations