1. The Zhou and the Qin Dynasties
In this lesson, students will be able to identify characteristics of the Zhou and Qin dynasties.
Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms:
The Mandate of Heaven
Confucianism
Daoism
A Strong Central Government
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2. The first known dynasty of China was the
Shang dynasty. This dynasty united the
people living around the Huang He and
Yangtze river valleys.
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3. The Zhou Dynasty Around 1027 B.C., the Zhou conquered the Shang.
The Zhou dynasty lasted longer than any other Chinese dynasty. It lasted from 1027 B.C. to 221 B.C.
Zhou rulers claimed the right to rule or the Mandate of Heaven.
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4. The Zhou dynasty lasted longer than any
other Chinese dynasty.
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5. Mandate of Heaven
The Mandate of Heaven was the Chinese belief that the gods picked the emperor to rule but the gods could also remove a bad emperor from power.
The Mandate of Heaven can be viewed as the right to rule.
The ruler kept the Mandate of Heaven for as long as he ruled effectively.
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6. Zhou rulers claimed the Mandate of Heaven or the right to rule.
However, the
gods could
remove
the ruler’s
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7. Philosophers during Zhou China
During the Zhou dynasty, two important Chinese philosophies developed.
Confucianism and Daoism were two significant philosophies developed during the Zhou dynasty.
Both philosophies stressed the importance of harmony as Zhou China experienced increased warfare.
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8. Confucius was an important Chinese philosopher. He stressed the
importance of order
to achieve harmony.
Confucius believed
that if people knew
and did what they
should do, then
harmony would
occur.
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9. It is believed that the founder of Daoism or Taoism was Lao Tzu.
Daoism was a
philosophy that
stressed the
importance of
nature. By living
naturally, harmony
could be achieved.
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10. The Qin Dynasty In 221 B.C., the Qin dynasty emerged.
The Qin dynasty established a strong central government or a strong government that controlled all of China’s local rulers.
The Qin ruler was the first Chinese ruler to call himself emperor.
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11. Shi Huang-Ti was the first Chinese emperor. He united China under one
ruler.
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12. Centralization Shi Huang-Ti was a harsh but strong ruler.
He introduced a uniform system of writing.
He ordered the execution of people who disagreed with him.
The Chinese were forced to obey his rules.
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13. The Great Wall of China was built to protect China from
During Qin China,
the Chinese began
building the Great
Wall of China.
The Great Wall of China was built to
protect China from
nomadic invaders.
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14. Questions for Reflection:
Define the Mandate of Heaven.
How did the Chinese explain the rise of a new dynasty?
How did Confucianism differ from Daoism?
Who was Shi Huang-Ti?
Why did the Chinese build the Great Wall of China?
What are characteristics of a strong central government?
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