Download The Zhou: China`s Longest Dynasty

Chapter 7 Early China
Lesson 4: China’s Longest Dynasty: The Zhou Dynasty
pp. 175-177
• Wu Wang overthrew Shang government
• Declared a new dynasty called Zhou
(JOH)
• Ruled 800 years
How did the Zhou Rule China?
• King led the government
• Ruled with bureaucracy-officials who carry
out the task of the government
• Aristocrats governed territories
• King’s chief duty was to carry out religious
ceremonies to please the gods
The Right to Rule
• Mandate of Heaven - belief that the
Chinese king’s right to rule came
from the gods
• King must rule the proper “Way”
known as the Dao or Tao
• Changed what the Zhou people
expected from their king
– His duty was to honor and please the
gods
– If there was a natural disaster, the
king must have failed and must be
replaced
Technology and Trade
• Before, had to rely on
rain
• Zhou kings developed
new ways to irrigate
the land
• Better water supply =
more crops
• Trade can expand
– Silk found as far away
as Greece
War Between the States
• Aristocrats grew powerful – ignored the
king
• Aristocrats began to fight one another
• Fought for 200 years
• Known as “Period of the Warring States”
“Period of Warring States”
• Aristocrats forced farmers to serve as
soldiers
• Soldiers used swords, spears, and
crossbows
• Developed saddle and stirrups
Research Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What was the chief duty of the Zhou kings?
Why did the king divide the kingdom into
smaller territories?
Explain the meaning of the term hereditary.
In your own words, explain the Mandate of
Heaven.
How long did the Zhou Dynasty last? What
caused this dynasty to end.
Compare and contrast the government of the
Zhou Dynasty to our U.S. government.