1. China Builds A Bureaucracy
Learning Goal 4: Describe the basic beliefs of legalism, Daoism, and Confucianism and explain how classical Chinese leaders created a strong centralized government based on Confucian teachings. (TEKS/SE’s 3A,23A,16C,25A)
Essential Question:
What are the basic beliefs of legalism, Daoism, and Confucianism?
How did Classical Chinese leaders create a strong centralized government based on Confucian teachings?

2. During the Classical Era, China developed some of its greatest cultural achievements. Chinese history is generally divided into periods based upon the dynasty that ruled at that time. From 1027 B.C. to 220 A.D., China was ruled by three main dynasties.
Zhou Dynasty 1027 B.C. – 221 B.C.
Qin Dynasty 221 B.C. – 206 B.C.
Han Dynasty 206 B.C. – 220 A.D.

3. Zhou Dynasty 1122 B.C. – 256 B.C.
Zhou rulers justified their rule as the Mandate of Heaven
Belief that the dynasty was chosen to rule by heaven
If things start to go wrong under a dynasty (floods, drought, riots, etc.) that meant the dynasty had lost the Mandate of Heaven
It was then the citizens duty to overthrow them
Chinese Dynastic Cycle begins
Zhou Dynasty was based on feudal rule
Land was given to nobles in exchange for military service

6. Qin Dynasty 221 B.C B.C.
End of the Zhou Dynasty
By the 6th century B.C. local nobles became too powerful for the rulers to control and China was plunged into a period of civil war called the Warring States Period
The Qin Dynasty arose from the Warring States Period in 221 BCE
The Qin leaders used a philosophy of harsh, strict rule to dominate their neighbors in western China.
Qin Shi Huangdi, was the first ruler of the Qin Dynasty from BCE
He was a harsh yet skillful ruler
He divided China into administrative provinces
Qin Shi Huangdi was a ruthless ruler, he forced his people to work, burned Confucians to death, and burnt all works of literature.

7. QIN DYNASTY (CONT.)
Despite his ruthlessness, Qin Shi Huangdi accomplished much
common language
common currency
Ordered the building of roads
constructed the first fortifications of the Great Wall
Standardized laws in the region
contributed to the unification of China.
After Qin Shi Huangdi died
rebellions and violent revolts
The dynasty did not last very long
Han Dynasty quickly took over

9. This ideology developed during the Warring States Period.
Followers of this ideology believe that humans are inherently evil and will only obey authority through force.
Important characteristics include:
Strict laws
Harsh punishments
The sacrifice of personal freedom for the good of the state
This ideology was embraced by the Qin Dynasty
(221 BCE – 207 BCE), and it heavily influenced the
ruler Shi Huangdi’s political decisions.

10. Founded by the philosopher LaoTzu in the 6th Century BCE
It arose during The Warring States Period in-between the rule of the Zhou Dynasty and the Qin Dynasty
It originated as a proposed way to politically organize China
Beliefs:
Encouraged followers to avoid useless struggles by
following The Dao (the path)
Shunned political and military ambitions as lacking
morality and meaning
Guided its followers to nature for comfort and
understanding
Emphasizes acceptance and individual retreat from
society
It has around 20 million followers today

11. Confucianism is an ancient Chinese philosophy, which was first developed in the 5th century BCE
The Chinese philosopher Confucius, who lived from 551 B.C.E to 479 B.C.E., was the founder of Confucianism
Confucius emphasized the importance of hierarchical, harmonious relationships between people, and that everyone has a place in society, from the wealthiest ruler to the lowliest subject.
Confucianism was embraced by the Han Dynasty, and the family hierarchy became the basis for government structure
The concepts that Confucius developed (such as the importance of family) can still be seen in East Asian culture today

12. This is a Confucian idea that describes how to respect one’s elders.
It applied to your house, your parents, and your ancestors.
Filial Piety is based on the Five Relationships
Ruler & Subject
Husband & Wife
Father & Son
Elder Brother & Younger Brother
Elder Friend & Younger Friend

13. Ruled China for over 400 years
Established in 206 BCE,
Ruled China for over 400 years
This dynasty was so influential that some Chinese still call themselves “people of Han”
The Han de-emphasized Legalism in favor of Confucianism
established a centralized system of government to run the empire
Developed a strong central bureaucracy by introducing the Civil Service Exam
In order to get a job in the govt. one had to pass the test
Tested over knowledge of history and Confucian philosophy
Provided a way for commoners to move up the social ladder

15. Paper was invented during this dynasty in 105 BCE
Stirrups for horses were invented
Population under this dynasty swelled to 60 million
Economic imbalance allowed the rich to grow richer at the expense of the poor. During this time, political instability grew
Eventually,in 220 AD, the Han dynasty collapsed into three separate kingdoms.

16. The Silk Road
caravan trails for trade between Asia, India, and Rome
The road was primarily established on silk trade and other luxury items,
also involved in the spread of ideas and beliefs, contributing to cultural diffusion between the major regions of the time period.