1. 2.4 River Dynasties in China

2. The Development of Chinese Culture
Chinese Civilization
Sees China as center of world; views others as uncivilized
The group is more important than the individual
Family
Family is central social institution; respect for parents a virtue
Elder males control family property
Women expected to obey all men, even sons
Social Classes
King and warrior-nobles lead society and own the land

3. Religious Beliefs Spirits of dead ancestors can affect family fortunes
Oracle bones used to consult gods; supreme god, Shang Di
Priests scratch questions on animal bones and toroise shells

4. Development of Writing
Writing system uses symbols to represent syllables, not ideas
People of different languages can use same system
Huge number of characters make system difficult to learn

6. Zhou and the Dynastic Cycle
The Zhou Take Control
In 1027 B.C., Zhou Dynasty takes control of China
Mandate of Heaven
The belief that a just ruler had divine approval
Developed as justification for change in power to Zhou
Dynastic Cycle—pattern of the rise and decline of dynasties

7. Control Through Feudalism
Feudalism—system where kings give land to nobles in exchange for services
Over time, nobles grow in power and begin to fight each other

8. Improvements in Technology and Trade
Zhou Dynasty builds roads, canals to improve transportation
Uses coins to make trade easier
Produces cast iron tools and weapons; food production increases

9. A period of Warring States
Peaceful, stable Zhou empire rules from around 1027 to 256 B.C.
In 771 B.C.E., nomads sack the Zhou capital, murder monarch
Luoyang becomes new capital, but internal wars destroy traditions

10. Philosophy and the Social Order
Confucius Urges Harmony
Confucius was China’s most influential scholar.
Confucius believed order could be restored in China if society was organized around five basic relationships.
Ruler and subject
Father and son
Husband and wife
Older brother to younger brother
Friend and friend
Confucius stressed that children should practice what he called filial piety, or respect for their parents and elders.

11. Philosophy and the Social Order
Confucian Ideas About Government
Bureaucracy – trained civil service, or those who run the government
Confucianism was never a religion, but was an ethical system. It became the foundation for Chinese government and social order.
Daoists Seeks Harmony
Laozi, who lived in the 6th century B.C. believed that a universal force called the Dao, meaning “the Way,” guides all things. He believed only humans failed to follow Dao.
The philosophy of Laozi came to be known as Daoism

12. Philosophy and the Social Order
Legalists Urge Harsh Rule
Believed that a highly efficient and powerful government was the key to restoring order. They got their name from their belief that government should use the law to end civil disorder and restore harmony.
The legalists believed in controlling ideas as well as actions.

13. Philosophy and the Social Order
I Ching and Yin and Yang
I Ching a book of oracles used to answer ethical or practical problems.
Yin and Yang a concept that two powers represented the natural rhythms of life. Yang represents the masculine qualities in the universe. Yin the feminine.