1. Zhou Dynasty (1029-258 B.C.E)  Expanded the territorial boundaries of China by seizing the Yangtze River valley.  This stretch of territory, from Hwang-Ho to the Yangtze, became China’s core— often called the “Middle Kingdom.” Rich cropland.  The Zhou did not set up a powerful central government, ruling instead through alliances with regional princes and noble families.

2. Zhou Dynasty (1029-258 B.C.E)  This resulted in vulnerabilities to regional disloyalties and the dynasty ultimately declined when regional land- owning aristocrats solidified their own power base and disregarded the central government.  Philosophers sought to explain the confusion. Confucious became the most important. Social and political philosophy became an important doctrine in the Qin and Han dysnasty’s.

3. Zhou Dynasty (1029-258 B.C.E)  Mandarin became the official state language providing the largest single official language group in the world helping establish cultural unity.

4. Qin Dynasty (221-202 B.C.E.)  Centralized state rule, which eliminated local and regional political competitors. Brutal but effective emperor.  Expanded the boundaries of China to include Hong Kong and north Vietnam.  Great Wall of China, built by forced labor, largest construction project in history.

5. Qin Dynasty (221-202 B.C.E.)  Leader instituted a number of innovations in order to build up the power of the central government.  National census = tax revenues and labor service. Standardized coinage, weights, and measures through the entire region.  Very abusive.

6. Han Dynasty(202 B.C.E.-220 C.E.)  Retained centralized administration but brutal repression was lightened  Expanded territory through peace while embracing more territory and a far larger population.  Peace brought prosperity to China.

7. Han Dynasty (202 B.C.E.-220 C.E.)  Confucianism was emphasized and seen as a vital supplement to formal government measures; shrines set up to worship the ancient philosopher as a god.  Nomadic invasions (Mongols/Huns) overturned the dynasty.

8. Civil Service Exam  Early Han leader, Wu Ti, expanded Chinese territory to set up formal training based on Confucian philosophy for bureaucrats.  Becomes the Scholar-Gentry class.  If you can pass the Civil Service examination, based on Confucian ideals, you could become a bureaucrat.