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Chapter 2: China AP World History I The Dynastic Cycle • A family of Kings would start its rule with great vigor. – Develop strong community – Active economy • Dynasty grows weaker, tax revenues decline – Social divisions increased – Internal rebellions – Invasions • Another Dynasty emerges, usually from the family of a successful general, invader, or peasant rebel. • Pattern starts anew… Zhou Dynasty • Lasted from 1029-258 BCE – Flourished only until about 700 BCE • Replaces the RVC of the Shang • Never really develops a strong central government…regional alliances – Feudal • Rulers depend on a network of loyalties and obligations to and from their landlord vassals. • Power is LOST when the regional aristocrats solidify their own powerbase, ignoring the central government. Zhou Dynasty Zhou Dynasty • Usually divided into two time periods, Western, then Eastern. – Eastern is more Feudal • Developed and maintained China’s “core” territory from the Huanghe to the Yangtze, referred to as the “Middle Kingdom.” • Wheat grown in the north, Rice in the south • Zhou rulers use the mandate of heaven to claim right to rule from the Shang • Promote the unity of Mandarin Chinese Confucius • Late 6th and early 5th century BCE saw the rise of Confucius’ philosophy…a complex set of political ethics which would become the core of Chinese philosophy. • Emphasized filial piety and respect to elders Qin Dynasty • Qin Shi Huangdi, or First Emperor takes control of China. – He was a regional ruler during Warring States – Deposes the final Zhou Emperor • Brutal Ruler (but effective) Qin Dynasty • He ordered nobles to his palace and took control of their estates. – Control as far as Hong Kong and influenced the development of Vietnam • Orders a National Census – Data for tax revenues • Standardizes weights/measures and coinage – Even the length of axles on carts • Promoted Agriculture/irrigation/manufacturing (silk) • Burned books…thinking was subversive to his autocratic rule Qin Dynasty • Builds Great Wall of China (does most work on it) – 3000 Miles – The top is wide enough for carts Qin Dynasty • Somewhat short-lived – High taxes – Legalism: singular punishment for most crimes • When the Emperor died in 210 BCE, massive revolts broke out by aggrieved peasants Tomb of Shi Huangdi Han Dynasty • Kept the Centralized rule of the Qin, but sought to reduce the oppression • Expands Chinese territory into Korea, Indochina, and central Asia • Conducted trade with Parthian Empire in the Middle East, through which the Chinese traded with the Romans Han Dynasty • Most Famous ruler…Wu Ti (Wudi) rules from 140-87 BCE – Encouraged peace within the empire – Brought prosperity to China Han Dynasty • Seen as a “Golden Age” of Chinese Culture and development • Government was linked to formal Confucian training – Urged support for Confucianism (unlike Qin) • Quality of Han rule declines after about two centuries – Central control weakens – Nomads…the Huns threaten China’s borders • 220-589 CE: China was in a state of Chaos Short Story on Civilization • Imagine that you are creating a civilization. What important parts would you have in your civilization? What would call your civilization? What laws and what type of government?