1. Unit 2 Classical Civilizations China & India
Zhou Dynasty

2. Zhou (Joh) Dynasty 1027 the Zhou (Joh pronounced like “Joe”)
Zhou dynasty overthrew the Shang
The Zhou adopted much the Shang culture, but also had new ideas

3. Heaven Commands Me
The Justification of the political change of these tough frontiersman barbarian was that the iniquity of Shang is full “Heaven commands me to destroy it.”

4. Zhou Revolt Zhou acquired most of the Shang Culture and Technology
Last Shang King was said to be a physical giant and monster of depravity among his cruelties was that he made drinking cups of the skulls of his vanquished enemies
Slaves and Zhou vassals revolted against Shang cruelties (1050 B.C.)

5. Heaven, unpitying has sent down ruin on Yin [another name for shang]
Heaven, unpitying has sent down ruin on Yin [another name for shang]. Yin has lost the mandate, and Zhou have received it. I dare not say that our fortune would continue to prosper, even thought I believe that heaven favors those who are sincere in their intentions. I do not say, either that it would end in certain disaster…The Mandate of Heaven is not easy to gain. It will be lost when men fail to live up to the reverent illustrious virtues of their forefathers
DUKE OF SHAO, quoted in The Chinese Heritage

6. Zhou Mandate of Heaven Mandate of heaven
Government receives it right to govern by heaven approval
The responsibility of people to overthrow governments when ruler loses the approval of the Gods
Governments lose approval if they are unjust and ineffective

7. Dynastic Cycle

8. Zhou Economic Growth
Iron tools like axes and ox drawn iron plows replaced wooden farm tools
Made farming better because farmers could produce more food
First time coin money began to be used
Made trade better because a merchant could carry money a lot easier then a herd of cows

9. Zhou Technology
Roads and canals were built to stimulate trade and agriculture
Blast furnaces were used to develop cast iron

10. Zhou Political System
Zhou Kings controlled many lands to govern a vast area they granted lands to family members and nobles creating a system of feudalism
Nobles in return, were required to give loyalty and military service

11. Zhou Destruction 771 Wei Valley capital of Zhou is sacked
Warlords in each state become rivals battling for territory of the fallen Zhou dynasty
Qui in the west
Jin in the north
Yan to north east
Chu to the south
Qi to east
No dominant Chinese culture or National identity

12. Class Divisions
A Sharp class division existed between the landowning aristocracy, educated bureaucrats and laboring masses
These class divisions would create(d) a period which was known as the time of the warring states