The Unification of China Chapter 4 Section 4

Confucius Confucius: a scholar / philosopher, history teacher, born 551 B.C., believed social harmony was the way to restore order to China – created Confucianism. The Time of Warring States in China was a time of great conflict & chaos – Confucius sought to restore order to China.

Filial Piety Filial Piety: respect for your parents and ancestors.

Bureaucracy Bureaucracy: the system of government workers, a civil service, that carries out all the duties of government.

Daoism Daoism: a Chinese philosophy, started by Lao Tzu (Laozi) in the 6th Century B.C., Main focus is on Nature – called “the Dao” meaning “the Way” – it guides all life. Wu Wei – means “do nothing” against the natural way (of things). Don’t struggle against nature’s way.

Legalism Legalism: a Chinese political philosophy which believed Strong Government was necessary to bring order to China, used harsh laws and extreme punishment to control the people. Founder: Li Si

I Ching I Ching: “the Book of Changes” it is an oracle of everyday problem solving & a classic Chinese book of wisdom. This is where the concept of Yin & Yang is explained and described.

Yin & Yang Traditional symbol of Chinese philosophy, it stands for two opposing forces that combine to form the natural rhythms of life. (see study guide)

Qin Dynasty The first dynasty of a unified China, started in 221 B.C. after Shi Huangdi defeated the last of the other Chinese Warlords.

Shi Huangdi The First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty, 241 B.C. – 210 B.C., came to power at the age of just 13 & united all of China by 241 B.C. Used advanced military tactics, superior logistics (keeping his troops supplied), and new technologies like the Crossbow with interchangeable parts.

Autocracy Autocracy: a centralized government that has unlimited power and uses that power however it sees fit (arbitrarily). Arbitrary: to base a decision on whim, without thought about consequences, and not on laws or precedent.

Great Wall First build by Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, started in 221 B.C., finished in just 10 years. Built for defense against the northern nomads & to consolidate his Empire. To consolidate = to make something easier to manage or control. The wall helped control the Chinese people (put them to work), aided in protecting the empire, helped communication, helped control trade.

Laozi The founder of Daoism – the nature orientated Chinese religion.

Acupuncture Ancient form of Chinese medicine / healing. Uses principles of Daoism to free “clogged” Ch’I (your body’s healthy energy) by the precise placement of needles at pressure points throughout the body.

Benevolence Wise leadership (as used by Confucious) Ruling/Leading by setting good examples, through careful and wise decision making.

Confucianism Chinese philosophy started by a Chinese philosopher and history teacher in the 6th & 5th century BC. FAMILY #1 Individual #2 Focused on restoring order to China by following the 5 basic relationships. These relationships are based on hierarchy, mutual obligations, patriarchy, and Benevolence. Ex: Ruler / subject. – both sides have a job to do.

Traditional Values The “things” that a society considers important. In China: Family #1, Filial Piety, respect for authority.

3. How did Confucius believe that social order, harmony, and good gov’t could be restored in China? Family #1: Traditional values, respect your elders (filial piety), The Five relationships (hierarchy = mutual obligations). Benevolence: rule by example – don’t ask the people to do what you are not willing to do yourself. Education: all government officials need to be educated in history, law, all who resisted were killed or enslaved!

4. What did the Legalists see as the key to restoring order? Efficient & Strong Centralized Government: Shi Huangdi created 36 districts (commanderies – like provinces) in China that each had a military governor reporting back to him (like in Persia). To enforce its will a government needed to have strict laws and harsh punishments.

5. What measures did Shi Huangdi take to crush political opposition at home? Moved all noble families to the capital city (where he could keep an eye on them). These Noble’s lands were then reorganized into districts (centralized). Controlled Thought - Murdered scholars who criticized his harsh ways, burned “forbidden” books.

6. How would followers of the three philosophical traditions in China react to the idea that “all-men are created equal”? Confucianism: NO WAY! Confucius’ 5 relationships are based on Hierarchy (not equality). Legalism: ABSOLUTELY NOT! People are evil by nature and must be controlled through harsh laws and punishments. Daoism: MAYBE but “the natural way” is full of inequality – it is survival of the fittest – nature’s way that the weak are culled from the heard & the strong survive. A Daoist would say that it is society that must impose equality.

7. Why did Shi Huangdi have his critics murdered? No opposition makes the job easier – you can do whatever you want! Everyone is afraid to speak out. Opposition could lead to rebellion! Who wants to hear criticism about how bad a job you are doing and how the people are suffering?