A Thematic Look at Ancient China The Five Themes of AP World History
Interaction between Humans and the Environment Theme 1
Early dynastic China
Transformation to Agriculture Controlling geography River based civilization Geographic Challenges
Development and Interaction of Culture Theme 2
Like Mesopotamia writing was a huge cultural breakthrough Magnificent artistic works in Bronze and Jade Shang Dynasty Cultural Development
Key parts of Chinese culture into the 21st century. Historical and Philosophical Classics such as the Book of History, the Book of Songs, the Book of Rites, and the Book of Changes. Key parts of Chinese culture into the 21st century. Zhou Cultural Development
State building, expansion, and conflict in Ancient China Theme 3
Characteristics of Shang Kings Monopolization of Bronze Irrigation Projects Shang Governance
Zhou and the last Shang King Mandate of Heaven Feudalism Zhou Governance
Crucial development across all of Chinese History Erosion of Feudalism Warring States Period Crucial development across all of Chinese History Erosion of Feudalism Warring States Period
Creation, expansion and interaction of economic systems in Ancient China Theme 4
Limited interaction with outside world. Indigenous technology predicated upon agricultural success Emergence of industries in artisan work and silk Shang and Zhou Economics
Development and transformation of social structures in Ancient China Theme 5
Veneration of Ancestors Slavery and peasant society Importance of family, kin based structure in decentralized political world Veneration of Ancestors Slavery and peasant society Shang and Zhou Social Organization