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Zhou Dynasty . SSWH2 The student will identify the major achievements of Chinese and Indian societies from 1100 BCE to 500 CE. c. Describe the development of Chinese civilization under the Zhou and Qin.
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POLITICS Regional feudal states Ruled as coordinators rather than as a central govt. military force determined strength of rulers Conflict led to decline into the "Period of the Warring States" (403-221 B.C.). Introduced Mandate of Heaven 1076-221 BC (pronounced Jo) Zhou (Chou) Dynasty 1076-221 BC (pronounced Jo)
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Mandate of Heaven Principles: right to rule is granted by Heaven. only one Heaven = only one ruler in China. right to rule depends on the virtue of the ruler. Advantages: Ruler = supreme power politically and religiously power kept in check by virtue. The Mandate of Heaven = Rebellion okay if successful
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{ The Dynastic Cycle A new dynasty comes to power. Lives of common people improved; taxes reduced; farming encouraged. Problems begin (extensive wars, invasions, etc.) Taxes increase; men forced to work for army. Farming neglected. Govt. increases spending; corruption. Droughts, floods, famines occur. Poor lose respect for govt. They join rebels & attack landlords. Rebel bands find strong leader who unites them. Attack the emperor. Emperor is defeated !! The emperor reforms the govt. & makes it more efficient. Start here
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Civil Service Examination Confucian Philosophy = state ruled by ability and virtue. Was an attempt to recruit men on the basis of merit NOT family/ political connection. success in the examination system was the basis of social status (high stakes testing) Success = Education
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Civil Service Examination Education = the key, highly regarded. provincial examination = entire family was raised in status to scholar gentry Received prestige and privilege. The texts = Confucian classics.
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Economy Iron age stronger and cheaper than bronze Strengthened Zhou army catapult creation of China’s first cavalry 90% of peasants lived on farms in family compounds new iron tools increased harvest, food surpluses
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Silk = most important product Roads, canals allowed better transportation, communication Introduced Coins use of chopsticks Population grew under Zhou Cities grew in size Economy
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Philosophy (Religion) “the Warring States period”= Zhou leaders lost control states fought each other 100 Schools Movement tried to bring stability to China Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism philosophies of life and govt from this era
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Basic beliefs Dualism – everything relates to everything else and works best when in balance (Yin/Yang) Harmony, cooperation = submission to the larger group Individuality is secondary Heaven controls life on Earth life passes from parent to child. Life from parents = child should worship/revere parents.
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Society 1. 1. Emperor 2. 2. Regional rulers 3. 3. Farmers 4. 4. Slaves BUT, Confucian ideals changed this near the end of the Zhou
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Art Bronze work Tombs decorated for wealthy Hawk-shaped gold hat ornament (8th - 3rd century B.C.)
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