Cultural Background: China Intro to East Asia Cultural Background: China

Chinese Dynasties China was one of the four earliest civilizations of the world Civilization began with the Shang dynasty in 1600 BCE After about 600 years of rule, the Zhou (Chou) dynasty took over The new Zhou dynasty established a contract with the people called the “Mandate of Heaven” This contract served the Chinese through the modern times (last dynasty fell in 1912 C.E.)

Mandate of Heaven Zhou leaders proclaimed their right to rule the people was granted by the gods in heaven Here are the 4 principles: The right to rule is from heaven Since there is only one heaven, there can be only one ruler The right to rule is based on the virtue of the ruler The right to rule can be passed onto new leaders

What did it do for China? The Mandate of Heaven kept political stability in China by: Gave authority to emperors Justified rebellions (like that of the Zhou) if the previous dynasty failed However, if a rebellion failed the emperor was seen as still having the Mandate of Heaven

The Dynastic Cycle

Confucianism in China One of the most influential people in all of China was Confucius He proposed a way of behaving – the right way! 5 relationships of Confucianism: Ruler and subject Husband and wife Parent and child Elder and younger brother Friend and friend

Quick video about Confucianism http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detail page&v=O--AFCI4HCU

Assignment… Now that you have some background info on Chinese culture, it’s time to move forward closer to modern times… Read pp. 112-113 “Europeans in China” and explain how the policy of British mercantilism didn’t exist in China Read pp. 250-255 and summarize each of these events: The Opium War The Tai Ping Rebellion Imperialism in China (with spheres of influence and the Open Door Policy) The Boxer Rebellion