The Zhou and the Qin Dynasties In this lesson, students will be able to identify characteristics of the Zhou and Qin dynasties. Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms: The Mandate of Heaven A Strong Central Government E. Napp

The first known dynasty of China was the Shang dynasty. This dynasty united the people living around the Huang He and Yangtze river valleys. E. Napp

The Zhou Dynasty Around 1027 B.C., the Zhou conquered the Shang. The Zhou dynasty lasted longer than any other Chinese dynasty. It lasted from 1027 B.C. to 221 B.C. Zhou rulers claimed the right to rule or the Mandate of Heaven. E. Napp

The Zhou dynasty lasted longer than any other Chinese dynasty. E. Napp

Mandate of Heaven The Mandate of Heaven was the Chinese belief that the gods picked the emperor to rule but the gods could also remove a bad emperor from power. The Mandate of Heaven can be viewed as the right to rule. The ruler kept the Mandate of Heaven for as long as he ruled effectively. E. Napp

Zhou rulers claimed the Mandate of Heaven or the right to rule. However, the gods could remove the ruler’s E. Napp

The Zhou Political System The Zhou people worked with other tribes to overthrow the Shang dynasty in the 1100s BC. Zhou leaders (Kings) believed that their rulers were mandated by heaven, and that heaven would find another leader when necessary. A new political order was established: the king granted plots of land to lords, who in turn provided soldiers and paid taxes to the king. Poor farmers were granted land as well, and remained under the rule of the lords. The lords helped Zhou rulers keep control of the dynasty.

Decline of the Zhou Dynasty As the lords’ power grew, they became uninterested in serving Zhou rulers. Many refused to fight against Zhou enemies. In 771 BC, the Zhou suffered a loss to invaders. The dynasty survived, but morale weakened, and the Zhou began to fight among themselves. The Warring States Period marked power struggles between the ruling-class families. Problems within the government paralleled problems within large family systems, which were breaking down. Bonds of loyalty weakened within even small families, and disorder fell upon China.

The Qin Dynasty In 221 B.C., the Qin dynasty emerged. The Qin dynasty established a strong central government or a strong government that controlled all of China’s local rulers. The Qin ruler was the first Chinese ruler to call himself emperor. E. Napp

Shi Huang-Ti was the first Chinese emperor. He united China under one ruler. E. Napp

Centralization Shi Huang-Ti was a harsh but strong ruler. He introduced a uniform system of writing. He ordered the execution of people who disagreed with him. The Chinese were forced to obey his rules. Refused to share his power Ordered thousands of noble families to move into his capital called Xi’an (Shee-Ahn) keeping them close = no rebellion E. Napp

The Great Wall of China was built to protect China from During Qin China, the Chinese began building the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall of China was built to protect China from nomadic invaders. E. Napp

The Qin Dynasty The Qin dynasty unified China with a strong government and a system of standardization. Main Ideas The first Qin emperor created a strong but strict government. A unified China was created through Qin policies and achievements.

Unified China Politics Culture Shi Huangdi took complete control of the land and the people. There was a strict chain of command. Taxes and building projects were introduced. Culture Shi Huangdi set up a uniform system of law. Rules and punishment, writing styles, and money were consistent across China. Finance Gold and copper coins were standardized. Uniform weights and measures help standardize trade and other legal issues.

Unified China’s Policies: A Uniform System of Law A citizen had to : Standardized gold and copper coins became the currency Weights and measures were also standardized Make the axle of width of carts the same length

Qin Achievements Building Projects Water Systems Massive government building projects gave jobs to many poor workers. New roads were built and maintained to provide easy access to and from these buildings. Water Systems Canals were built to connect rivers and keep trade fast and efficient. Irrigation systems that are still in use today watered the fields and made more land good for farming.

The Great Wall was built to protect the country from invasion The Great Wall Of China The Great Wall was built to protect the country from invasion The Great Wall linked previously built walls across China’s northern frontier. The building of the wall required years of labor from hundreds of thousands of laborers.

Questions for Reflection: Define the Mandate of Heaven. How did the Chinese explain the rise of a new dynasty? How did Confucianism differ from Daoism? Who was Shi Huang-Ti? Why did the Chinese build the Great Wall of China? What are characteristics of a strong central government? E. Napp