Download Section 2: The Zhou Dynasty

Chapter 6- Ancient China Notes
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Section 1: Geography and Early China
Natural barriers of mountains, deserts, and oceans caused the Chinese to be separated from
the rest of the world and develop their own unique culture.
China has 2 major rivers that flow from west to east.
o The Chang Jiang (Yangzi River)
o The Huang He (Yellow River)
o Beginning of Chinese Civilization
Farming began along the 2 rivers as early as 7000 BC. Like in other civilizations, the rivers
would flood and leave silt deposits behind. This created fertile land for farming.
Dynasties
As in Egypt, rule in China passed along family lines. The first Chinese Dynasty was the Shang
Dynasty.
Shang Dynasty Contributions
•Created China’s 1st writing system. It used over 2,000 symbols and modern Chinese writing is based
on these symbols.
•War chariots, bow and arrows, bronze body armor
Section 2: The Zhou Dynasty
During the 1100s BC, the Zhou family attacked and overthrew the Shang Dynasty. They claimed they
held the mandate of heaven, meaning heaven gave them authority to command and rule as king.
Social Hierarchy
The Zhou used the feudal system to order their society. The king gave land to lords in return for
loyalty and military support. Lords provided soldiers to the king. Peasants farmed the lords’ land.
Warring States Period
After almost 700 years of peace and order under the feudal system, civil wars started in 481
BC. Families split apart and fought each other over land. The Zhou Dynasty weakened and
could not put an end to the wars. The disorder and crime of the Warring States era led to the
development of new philosophies, such as Confucianism and Taoism.
Confucius (551-479 BC) Confucius was a philosopher who wanted the Chinese to end the fighting
and return to moral values.
• Confucianism is not a religion, but an ethical code dealing with the moral character
of people, government, and society
 Confucius taught that man can achieve order, harmony, peace, and happiness on earth trough
self-effort, education, and self-reflection.
Main Ideas of Confucianism
•Respect and be loyal to your family
•Leaders should set a kind and moral example
•Learning should never end
•Heaven expects you to behave in a moral way
Five Relationships of Confucianism (ideal standard of conduct)
1.Parent-Child: kindness in the father and obedience in child
2. Husband-Wife: righteous behavior in husband and obedience in wife
3. Elder Sibling-Younger Sibling: gentility in the eldest and humility and respect in the youngest
4. Elder Friend- Younger Friend: humane consideration in elders and deference in juniors
5. Ruler-Subject: Benevolence in rulers and loyalty of ministers and subjects
Chapter 6- Ancient China Notes
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Diffusion (spread) of Confucianism
After Confucius’ death, his followers obtained positions in the government. They helped Confucius
ideals become the basis of Chinese education and the civil service exam. From there, these
teachings spread into Korea and Japan.
Taoism (Daoism)
•Taoism is a philosophy (way of life) that developed in China as a reaction to the spread of
Confucianism and Buddhism.
•Taoism grew from ancient Chines philosophies that merged into one basic teaching.
•The most famous teacher was Lao-Tse (Laozi)
Main Ideas of Taoism
•Tao means “The Way” or “the Path” and focuses on achieving harmony and balance in the universe
and in one’s life.
•If your actions are in harmony with nature, life will seem effortless and will flow (called “Effortless
Doing”).
•Government and people should not interfere in each other’s lives
•The Three Jewels: compassion, moderation, and humility
•Yin/Yang Symbol reflects ideals of harmony and balance Diffusion of Taoism Taoism spread to
areas surrounding China and has been incorporated into the teachings and beliefs of several
philosophies and religions, most notably Buddhism and Shintoism.
Section 3: The Qin Dynasty
The Qin unified all states under one government and country called China. The Warring States Era
was finally over.
Policies and Achievements:
• One system of laws for all people
•Standardized written language and money (This created a sense of culture and promoted trade
among the old warring states.)
•Building projects: system of roads and canals to increase trade, irrigation system to increase
farming, the Great Wall of China to increase protection
Section 4: The Han Dynasty
Confucianism became the official government policy under the Han Dynasty.
Social Hierarchy (based on Confucianism)
 Upper Class –emperor, royal court, military, and scholars in the government
 Second Class –peasants (90% of population)
 Third Class –artisans
 Lower Class –Merchants (did not produce anything so not seen as important as
those who did)
Contributions
1.Paper –the kind we use today
2.Seismograph –a device that measures the strength of an earthquake
3. Sundial-an early clock that used the sun’s shadow to tell time
Section 5
Chapter 6- Ancient China Notes
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Advancements in Manufacturing and Agriculture
•Became master ironworkers
• Invented iron swords and armor which allowed them to conquer new lands
o Invented iron plow and wheelbarrow which increased farm production -This increased
the production of silk
Trade
The Ancient Chinese produced silk, a soft, light and highly valued fabric, through a secret procedure
of producing silkworms. The Chinese began to trade silk and built a network of trade routes over
4,000 miles long called the Silk Road.
The Silk Road stretched from China to the Mediterranean Sea and was a source of wealth. The Silk
Road has been used for almost 2,000 years for the trade of
goods and ideas between China, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean region.
 Buddhism even came to China along the Silk Road.
 Many Chinese turned to Buddhism because it helped answer their questions about suffering
and offered hope for rebirth and relief from suffering.