1. Classical Period in China ~700s BCE~200s CE
Feudalism of Zhou period weakens (Late Zhou & Warring States Periods)
Qin (Chin) BCE
Han (Hahn) 202 BCE – 220 CE
New political structures
Establishment of enduring institutions

2. China from the Later Zhou to the Han Era

3. Cultural traditions Broad isolation
Enduring philosophy of yin and yang

4. Patterns in Classical China
Pattern established
New dynasty
Begins rule strong, economic strength
Dynasty weakens, revenues decline
Internal rebellions and invasions
Succeeding dynasty emerges

5. Zhou Dynasty (1029-258 B.C.E.) Came from the north, replacing Shang
System of indirect rule (Feudalism)
Territorial expansion
Centralization
Linguistic unity (Mandarin)
Religious practices reshaped (end of human sacrifice)

6. Qin Rule Originally nomadic, marginal Shi Huangdi Zhou rival
Rules from about 221 B.C.E.
Great Wall
Great centralization - Legalism
Death of Shi Huangdi in 210 B.C.E.
Leads to a period of conflict

7. The Han Dynasty Territorial expansion Wu Ti (140-87 B.C.E.)
Contact with India
Trade with Roman Empire
Wu Ti ( B.C.E.)
Establishes peaceful rule (= prosperity)
Han rule strong until about 220 C.E.

8. Government allows rule of large territory
Reliance on family structure
Ancestor worship
Local rule weakened
Single law code over all
Rule from center out

9. Strong Bureaucracy / Bureaucracy of Merit
Power of warrior-landlords lessened
Examination system put in place by Wu Ti
Highly-integrated system
Trained bureaucrats
Some limits on imperial power

10. Hierarchy of Government
Bureaucracy of Merit
Chinese Households
Hierarchy of Government
Officials
Nobles
EMPEROR
Eunuchs
Confucian
Schools
CONFUCIAN
EXAMS:
Liu = 100%
Qin = 99%
Yi = 89%
Xian = 88%
Zhou = 79%
Bureau of War
Bureau of Taxes
Governor
Prov. B
Governor of
Province A
Governor of
Province C
Bureau of Farm
Relief
* Placement in Jobs
Based on Merit
Farmers

11. Roles of the state Military role not preeminent Economic role
Weights, measures, currency
Public works

12. Confucianism Concern with stability, peace An ethical system
Role of moral elite
Education central
The Confucian Gentleman
Moral rectitude
Public and private spheres equally important
Kings should be reminded of duties

13. Legalism Favored a strong state, ruling through force
Belief that human nature was basically evil
In opposition to Confucianism in many ways
Yet the two often combined in exercise of power

14. Popular religion / Traditional Folk Religion
Confucianism has limited appeal
Polytheism persists
Conciliation of spirits
Family ceremonies

15. Daoism / Taoism Laozi [Lao Tsu] (400s B.C.E.) Philosopher
Retreat from society
State cannot solve all problems
Nature
Dao, cosmic force
Meditation

16. Literature, Art, and Science
Five Classics (Confucianism)
Combination of genres
Basis for government examinations
Decorative arts
Calligraphy
Science concentrated on the practical

17. Economy and Society Confucian Social System
Landowning aristocracy and bureaucrats
Laboring masses: peasants and artisans
The “mean people”
Unskilled laborers
Performing artists
Slaves

18. Trade and technology Trade increases under the Zhou and Han Technology
Little respect for trade and merchants
Technology
Plows, new collar for draft animals
Iron tools
Water-powered mills
Paper

19. Gender and Family Life Great emphasis on authority
Parental authority especially upheld
Women subordinate to men
Elder rules younger
Familial piety

20. How Chinese Society Fits Together
Isolation
View of surrounding peoples as inferior
No missionary desires
Buddhism an exception

21. Social and Cultural Links to Politics
Society viewed as a whole
Government and society seen as one
Agriculture tied to government through revenue
Mandate of Heaven / Confucian Relationships
Compare and contrast the use of “religion” as a technology to order society and politics in India and China. What belief systems were used and in what ways?

22. Complexities in Classical China
Confucianism versus Daoism
Many points of overlap
But some antagonism
Balance often upset
Overpopulation might lead to uprisings

23. Global Connections: Classical China and the World
Qin and Han China
Agriculture permits large population
Development of technologies
Influence through the Silk Road
China connected with other areas
Trade mostly by nomadic merchants
The “Middle Kingdom”
Influence on surrounding peoples