After almost 800 years in power, the Zhou declined. As they declined, China broke into many smaller countries governed by warlords. The last few hundred years of the Zhou was characterized by turmoil.

Born in 551 BC Lived during the turmoil of the decline of the Zhou Believed that society could be ordered if rulers and subjects adhered to some basic relationships Ruler- subject Father-children Husband-Wife Generally, he taught: Respect for elders, parents Politeness Education

NOT a religion A code of how to live and how to govern Ruler should practice kindness and wisdom, subjects should be loyal and law abiding Lays foundation for Chinese bureaucracy. Government workers must be educated in Confucianism and good governance.

Laozi taught that natural rhythms are important Things in nature follow “the Dao” or “the Way.” They do not seek glory or to stand out, they are in harmony without it

Circle represents unity of earth and heaven Light side is yin (earth, feminine, passive) Dark side is yang (heaven, masculine, active)

Shi Huangdi builds Qin Dynasty He centralizes government Forced labor High taxes Oppressive Built Great Wall Only lasted 15 years

Built to keep nomadic invaders from the North and West out of China Expanded to current size in 1500’s AD

After the Qin Dynasty fell, China erupted into civil war The Han emerged as the most powerful and expanded the empire Instituted civil service exams based on Confucius’ teachings Highly organized Bureaucracy (Mandarin) This civil service system was used until 1911!

Correction: The Chinese invented the first paper made from pulp The papyrus of the Egyptians, was not technically paper because it was not made of pulp, it was thin strips of a plant, not mashed up plants that were then flattened out and dried.

Silk is made from the silk worm. It was an incredibly labor intensive process. But, it was strong, lightweight, and beautiful. People all over the world traded for Chinese silk fabrics Porcelain is a ceramic material made from clay and fired at a very high temperature. This makes porcelain very strong and usually glassy in appearance. Porcelain is often called “China” because it originated there.