1. Classical Civilization: China2
Classical Civilization: China

2. Establishment of Political Order
New order from 700s B.C.E.
New political structures
Zhou, Qin, then Han rule
Establishment of enduring institutions

3. China from the Later Zhou to the Han Era

4. Establishment of Political Order
Han Dynasty
Overthrew Qin in 207 B.C.E.
Ruled for four centuries
Long-lasting, stable bureaucracy
Rise of Chinese sense of uniqueness

5. Establishment of Political Order
Cultural traditions
Broad isolation
Enduring philosophy of yin and yang

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

7. Patterns in Classical China
Zhou Dynasty ( B.C.E.)
Came from the north, replacing Shang
System of indirect rule
Territorial expansion
Some centralization
Linguistic unity
Religious practices reshaped

8. Patterns in Classical China
Qin Rule
Originally nomadic, marginal
Shi Huangdi
Zhou rival
Rules from about 200 B.C.E.
Great Wall
Great centralization
Death of Shi Huangdi in 210 B.C.E.
Leads to a period of conflict

9. Patterns in Classical China
The Han Dynasty
Territorial expansion
Contact with India
Trade with Roman Empire
Wu Ti ( B.C.E.)
Establishes peaceful rule
Han rule strong until about 220 C.E.

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

11. Patterns in Classical China
Strong Bureaucracy
Power of warrior-landlords lessened
Examination system put in place by Wu Ti
Highly-integrated system
Trained bureaucrats
Some limits on imperial power

12. Ancient Capitals

13. Patterns in Classical China
Roles of the state
Military role not preeminent
Economic role
Weights, measures, currency
Public works

14. Religion and Culture 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

15. Religion and Culture 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

16. Religion and Culture Popular religion Confucianism has limited appeal
Polytheism persists
Conciliation of spirits
Family ceremonies

17. Religion and Culture Laozi (400s B.C.E.) Philosopher
Retreat from society
State cannot solve all problems
Nature
Dao, cosmic force
Meditation

18. Religion and Culture Literature, Art, and Science Five Classics
Combination of genres
Basis for government examinations
Decorative arts
Calligraphy
Science concentrated on the practical

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

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

21. Economy and Society Gender and Family Life Great emphasis on authority
Parental authority especially upheld
Women subordinate to men

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

23. How Chinese Society Fits Together
Social and Cultural Links to Politics
Society viewed as a whole
Government and society seen as one
Agriculture tied to government through revenue

24. How Chinese Society Fits Together
Complexities in Classical China
Confucianism versus Daoism
Many points of overlap
But some antagonism
Balance often upset
Overpopulation might lead to uprisings

25. 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