Unit 2 Classical Civilizations China & India Zhou Dynasty

Zhou (Joh) Dynasty 1027 the Zhou (Joh pronounced like “Joe”) Zhou dynasty overthrew the Shang The Zhou adopted much the Shang culture, but also had new ideas

Heaven Commands Me The Justification of the political change of these tough frontiersman barbarian was that the iniquity of Shang is full “Heaven commands me to destroy it.”

Zhou Revolt Zhou acquired most of the Shang Culture and Technology Last Shang King was said to be a physical giant and monster of depravity among his cruelties was that he made drinking cups of the skulls of his vanquished enemies Slaves and Zhou vassals revolted against Shang cruelties (1050 B.C.)

Heaven, unpitying has sent down ruin on Yin [another name for shang] Heaven, unpitying has sent down ruin on Yin [another name for shang]. Yin has lost the mandate, and Zhou have received it. I dare not say that our fortune would continue to prosper, even thought I believe that heaven favors those who are sincere in their intentions. I do not say, either that it would end in certain disaster…The Mandate of Heaven is not easy to gain. It will be lost when men fail to live up to the reverent illustrious virtues of their forefathers DUKE OF SHAO, quoted in The Chinese Heritage

Zhou Mandate of Heaven Mandate of heaven Government receives it right to govern by heaven approval The responsibility of people to overthrow governments when ruler loses the approval of the Gods Governments lose approval if they are unjust and ineffective

Dynastic Cycle

Zhou Economic Growth Iron tools like axes and ox drawn iron plows replaced wooden farm tools Made farming better because farmers could produce more food First time coin money began to be used Made trade better because a merchant could carry money a lot easier then a herd of cows

Zhou Technology Roads and canals were built to stimulate trade and agriculture Blast furnaces were used to develop cast iron

Zhou Political System Zhou Kings controlled many lands to govern a vast area they granted lands to family members and nobles creating a system of feudalism Nobles in return, were required to give loyalty and military service

Zhou Destruction 771 Wei Valley capital of Zhou is sacked Warlords in each state become rivals battling for territory of the fallen Zhou dynasty Qui in the west Jin in the north Yan to north east Chu to the south Qi to east No dominant Chinese culture or National identity

Class Divisions A Sharp class division existed between the landowning aristocracy, educated bureaucrats and laboring masses These class divisions would create(d) a period which was known as the time of the warring states