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Classical China Chapter 2 Pg. 38-54
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Confucius: –“Let the emperor be emperor & the subject subject.” –“The relationship between superiors & inferiors is like that between the wind and the grass. The grass must bend when the wind blows across it.” –“When people are educated, the distinction between classes disappears.” –“The superior man…does not set his mind either for anything, or against anything; what is right he will follow.”
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Patterns in Classical China 1 of 3
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1500BCE-1200BCE : Shang 1029BCE-700BCE : Zhou flourish –Weak feudal gov; spread culture 700BCE-258BCE : Zhou in decline 402BCE-221BCE : Warring States 221BCE-202BCE : Qin –Harsh legalist centralized activist gov 202BCE-220CE : Han –Centralized trained Confucian bureaucracy; large & prosperous Patterns in Classical China 2 of 3
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Patterns in Classical China 3 of 3 terra cotta army of Shi Huangdi’s tomb
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QUESTION SLIDE Which dynasty do you think was most influential in making China a world power? Why? To what extent do the others deserve credit?
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Political Institutions 1. Local – village leader, landlord class –regulate property & agriculture 2. Regional – appointed district officials –chosen by exam, fulfilled emperor’s wishes 3. Emperor – “Son of Heaven” –executive, legislative, judicial power Government was active w/ broad functions but not in daily lives
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Religion & Culture Traditionally, philosophy focused on politics, obedience, balance Three philosophies codified during chaos of Zhou decline & warring states 1 of 3
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Religion & Culture Confucianism –Stressed order through good government, hierarchy, personal virtue –Society = hierarchical relationships Superiors (rulers, husbands, fathers): virtuous & responsible leaders Subordinates (ruled, wives, children): obedient, hard-working followers 2 of 3
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Religion & Culture Legalism –pragmatic authoritarian discipline Daoism –mystical & spiritual balance w/ nature Art & literature –focused on precision Science & math –focused on practical applications 3 of 3
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Economy & Society Family focus & extreme distinctions b/t classes common in classical China –Extreme patriarchy –Upper-class = landlords, bureaucrats –Lower-class = peasants, artisans Subsistence Ag = focus of economy –But technological superiority allowed for impressive internal trade, manufacturing, urbanization
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How Chinese Society Fits Isolation led to distinctive identity & unusually well-integrated government, philosophy, economy, family Exceptions: –Importation of Buddhism –Daoism & Legalism offer philosophical diversity, cultural tension
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Global Connections Strength of Chinese philosophy, peasants & population led to world superpower status –Politically –Technologically –Economically –Culturally
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QUESTION SLIDE Based on what you know, what characteristics of classical China still show themselves in today in Chinese culture?
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