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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 Undertakes massive construction of roads, and defensive wall to the north 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