SHOWS THE MAJOR CHINESE STATES JUST PRIOR TO THE EXTENDED MILITARY WARRING PERIOD BEFORE Qin became first great empire They were looking for a way to end warfare, and 3 different ethical systems developed Early China

Geography of China The Huang He River is more than 2900 miles long. It flows across central china and empties into Yellow Sea 12 percent of the total land is suitable for farming. Much of China is mountainous and contains deserts. *The mountains and desert acted as barriers separating the Chinese from the rest of the Asia *China is isolated because of natural barriers

Huang He River -*Referred to as “China’s Sorrows” because floods caused by the loess-clogged river, destroyed crops and led to mass starvation -Provided a source of water for cities linked cities within dynastic region - flooding in China deposited rich soil for farming

Ancient China Dynasty – A series of rulers from a single family.

Origins of Chinese Culture Family and Society Chief loyalty throughout life was to the family, then the King, then to country.

Origins of Chinese Culture Religious Beliefs Ancestral Worship – to show respect and honor of the family they believed their ancestors had the power to bring good/bad fortune to living family members Oracle Bones – used to communicate with the gods

Origins of Chinese Culture Calligraphy Each character represents one idea rather than a letter. Literate – 1000 characters Educated – 10000 characters Difficulty learning because so many characters

*Chinese Government *Mandate of Heaven In China it is the divine approval thought to be the basis of royal authority. *God given right to rule

Chinese Government Dynastic Cycle The historical pattern of the rise, decline and replacement of ruling dynasties. Dynastic Cycle=Mandate of Heaven *Example: Zhou dynasty overthrew the Shang Dynasty claiming that the Gods had given them the Mandate of Heaven

GREAT WALL OF CHINA SHI HUANGDI FORCED POOR PEOPLE TO BUILD