Download RiseofCivilizationinChina 1

Rise of Civilization in
China
Early society
Impact of Geography

China is surrounded by water,mountains,and a desert

This isolation would affect their history, and attitude towards the
outside world…. Chinese would become xenophobic ( fear /mistrust
foreigners )

Rivers delivered fertile soil ( loess ) annually, allowing farming

Natives believe their land is hallway between heaven and earth, thus
the name Chung-Guo ( Middle Kingdom)

Earliest society centered around the Huang He ( yellow) river …
sometimes called the River of Sorrows because if it over-flowed.
Chung-Guo
First dynasties

The Shang clan established first dynasty

Claimed to have mandate of heaven ( permission from the gods)

Used oracle bones to communicate with the gods and spirits of their
ancestors … made markings on the shell of tortoise ,then placed in
fire – whatever cracks resulted, they believed was message

Power handed down– primo geniture ( first-born son )

Made silk fabric, fancy bronze urns

Elaborate burial tombs showed wealth ,status of certain people
Oracle bones
Zhou ( 1121-225 bce )

Zhou clan overthrows the Shang… claim a new dynastic
cycle

Feudalism – weak central government, strong regional
warlords

The Zhou have power, however, many warlords fight each
other – warring states period… centuries of civil war
leave China in chaos

Several philosophers try to bring harmony to China – their
impact will last to the present, and impact much of East
Asia
Master Kung ( Confucius ) 500 bce

Bastard child… experienced poverty as child…… made him resent the wealthy

His philosophy will stress education over wealth and privilege … the superior
man is educated, and ethical …. Needs of society more important than the
individual… society extension of the family

Filial Piety… children should revere / worship elders –always show respect!

The many sayings of Confucius are called Analects

His disciple Mencius will write down most of the analects …….
Analects

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in
your life.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every
time we fall.

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection,
which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and
third by experience, which is the bitterest.
Five Relationships of Confucianism
 1.
Emperor – citizens
 Husband-Wife
 Father –Son
 Older Brother – Younger Brother
 Friend to Friend
Lao-tzu ( 500bce)

Contemporary of Confucius, this old master had different approach to society
and the individual finding peace and harmony….

He said the TAO brought order to the universe …. There is a way /flow to
everything…. Yin / Yang ( opposing opposites ) bring balance – heat / cold,
dark / light, male / female

Lao-Tzu believed you are better off living in harmony with nature…preferred
the relaxed life in a village to the hustle and bustle of a big city.

Always go with the flow in life- do not resist what is
Yin Yang
Legalism

Some Chinese think strong laws / punishment is the answer…

One thinker, Han Feizi writes a book advising rulers to harshly punish any
misdeeds… these quotes highlight his attitude to ruling

It is dangerous for a ruler to trust others. He who trusts others can be
manipulated by others.

Indeed, customs differ between the past and the present. To try to govern
the people of a chaotic age with benevolence and lenient measures is like to
drive wild horses without reins and whips.
Qin dynasty ( 221-206 bce)

Powerful warlord from region of Qin defeats others to create “united states of
China “

He begins period of centralization.. Implements common language, coinage
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Undertakes massive construction of roads, and defensive wall to the north
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Attacks Confucian teachings and teachers

Preferred the harsh approach of legalism

Has army of terracotta soldiers, horses created to accompany him after death

Though his rule is brief ,has long lasting impact on China
Terracotta army