1. Mandate of Heaven

2. Let’s think…
What causes a government to lose power and fall?

3. Reasons why governments collapse
Internal problems: cause the people to be unhappy
Needs aren’t being met
People are starving
People aren’t protected
Lack of resources and order
Government response to disaster is considered ineffective
Economy

4. Reasons why governments collapse
External problems: an outside force attacks and overthrows your government

5. China’s Leadership
Dynasty: A series of rulers from the same family

8. Mandate of Heaven Belief in China that determines its leadership
A power believed to be granted by a higher power that is thought to be the basis of royal authority (rule)
The people of China believed that a ruler possessed the Mandate of Heaven as long as he ruled justly
Belief creates a cyclical transfer of power called the “Dynastic Cycle”

9. China’s Dynastic Cycle

10. 4 Principles of Mandate of Heaven
The Mandate of Heaven is based on 4 principles:
1. The right to rule is granted by Heaven
2. There is only one Heaven therefore there can be only one ruler
3. The right to rule is based on the virtue of the ruler
4. The right to rule is not limited to one dynasty

11. Why Mandate of Heaven makes China unique
Golden ages: a period of tranquility (peace) and prosperity (wealth) characterized by a strong government, strong economy, and advancements
Allowed for time of peace in every new dynasty
Created unity because all people throughout China supported same leader; fighting doesn’t continue after new leader chosen by the heavens

12. Mandate of Heaven: Order
Provides ruler with supreme power– creates obedience, respect, loyalty to the winner because Heaven has selected its ruler
Creates a process by which the people are able to recover quickly from chaos so that the civilization can continue to thrive
Ensures good leadership and good laws because the ruler wants to keep the Mandate of Heaven
Only allows rebellion when leadership has stopped being effective—prevents unnecessary civil war

13. Mandate of Heaven: Unity
Creates a common belief-- all Chinese people believe in Mandate of Heaven
Creates one leader that all Chinese people respect and obey regardless of their previous affiliations