1. Ch.2 Early China 2000-221 B.C.E.

2. Main IdeaDetailsNotemaking Geography and Resources China developed isolated from other regions because of its geography. The natural barriers of the Himalaya mountains to the south, and deserts to the north and west and seas to the east prevented contact for many years. Civilization developed first in the great river valleys of the Yellow and Yangtze rivers because of ease of agriculture and transportation. China’s diverse climate range from tropical in the south to arid and cold in the north and west. Loess is a fertile soil of yellowish dust that gave the yellow river its name. Rice cultivation required a community effort which also influenced chinese society. -

3. Chinese Geography

4. Main IdeaDetailsNotemaking The Shang Period 1750-221 BCE Originated in the Yellow River valley Cities surrounded by massive walls. Feng shui influenced the design of cities and buildings in order to lay them out in alignment with the natural flow of energy. Bronze metallurgy Pictograms (pictures representing concepts) Formed the basis for chinese writing. Oracle bones were used for divination and ancestor worship was practiced because the dead were believed to have special influence with the gods. Human and animal sacrifice was common. Kings were buried with all earthly possessions (including wives and concubines). Decentralized rule

5. Oracle Bone

6. Main IdeaDetailsNotemaking The Zhou Period 1027-221 B.C.E. longest lasting and most revered of all dynasties Mandate of Heaven was a Zhou political philosophy that would be used by other dynasties to justify their rule. The ruler is chosen by a supreme deity (seen as the “son of heaven”) and as long as he rules justly the empire will prosper but if he behaves badly the empire will suffer and a new ruler will claim the mandate of heaven. Decentralized rule 771-221 B.C.E. is known as the “Warring States Period” because of political fragmentation and feuding. It gave birth to the three main schools of Chinese philosophy.

7. Confucious say….

8. go Main IdeaDetailsNotemaking Legalism Confucianism Daoism Believes humans are essentially evil and strict laws and harsh punishments must be used to maintain order. Founded by Kongzi 551-479 B.C.E. (A.K.A. Confucius). Failed at getting a government position and became a teacher. Believed humans were essentially good and order could be maintained by a following a strict hierarchy with a benevolent ruler. Emphasizes: Obedience Hierarchy Filial piety Education (sage is ideal person) Frugality Three submissions (women submit to father, then husband, then son). Founded by Laozi (Lao Tsu) in the sixth century B.C.E. Believed the way to maintain order was to follow the Dao “the path” of the universe. The key to order was inaction.

9. Yin/ Yang Yin and Yang demonstrate natural balance of the universe. Yin= female, dark, brooding, passive Yang=male, bright, happy, active