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CHINA
Dynasties: Leaders, government, and people
Yu the Great – Founded the Xia dynasty
Under Shang the social order was: nobles, artisans, farmers, slaves
As a result of the Shang dynasty, Chinese society became more organized.
The Shang were the first people in China to develop a writing system.
During the Shang period, family became more important AND military technology advanced (got better).
The Zhou dynasty lasted longer than any dynasty; therefore, it must have been very effective.
According to the Zhou kings, they received their power to lead from Heaven.
Zhou leaders granted land in return for loyalty, military support, and other services. In other words they
“bought” peoples’ loyalty and support by giving them land.
Land ownership was an important part of Zhou politics.
Shi Huangdi- Ying Zheng gave himself the name Shi Huangdi meaning “first emporer.”
The fact that Shi Huangdi created a strong government with strict laws shows that he was a supporter of
Legalism.
Invasion, Control, and Morals were important to Shi Huangdi.
In order to protect the nation, Shi Huangdi had the Great Wall of China built.
Because he was an intolerant leader that did not respect others’ beliefs, Shi Huangdi ordered the burning of
all writings that went against Legalism.
Despite his harsh ways, Shi Huangdi was good for China; as soon as he died the country fell into civil war.
Confucius would NOT have agreed with Shi Huangdi’s method of ruling.
Compared to all of the other Chinese leaders before him, Liu Bang was the only common person to become
emperor.
Liu Bang’s approach to ruling China was moderate and reasonable.
Under Wudi, Confucianism became China’s official government policy.
It can be inferred that people were angry when Wudi took their land away and raised taxes to create a strong
central government.
The Qin dynasty was good for China because it strengthened and unified the country.
China became more unified under Qin rule.
During the Qin dynasty, making the axle of your cart the wrong length could result in severe punishment.
People resented the Qin government despite many improvements.
The Qin did NOT start the first sections of the wall.
During the Han dynasty, honoring one’s family was of highest importance to Chinese people.
Chinese painters became experts at painting figures during the Han dynasty.
The first Han emperor was born a peasant.
During the Han dynasty, China did have contact with other cultures.
CONFUCIANISM, DAOISM, LEGALISM:
Today, Confucius might object to the idea that wives should obey their husbands.
Confucius stated that moral leadership, not laws, would bring order to China, so leaders should act decently
and always try to do the right thing.
Analects- a book compiled of the ideas of Confucius
Confucius was NOT a supporter of harsh punishments by kings.
Confucius would NOT have agreed with Shi Huangdi’s method of ruling.
Both CONFUCIANISM and LEGALISM were intended to help society.
The fact that Shi Huangdi created a strong government with strict laws shows that he was a supporter of
Legalism.
Because he was an intolerant leader that did not respect others’ beliefs, Shi Huangdi ordered the burning of
all writings that went against Legalism.
An accurate summary of the philosophy of Daoism would be that all people should live in harmony with
nature.
Laozi- the most famous Daoist teacher
Daoism does NOT say that men are superior to women.
Daoism and Buddhism had some similar ideas.
MISCELANEOUS:
LANDFORMS/GEOGRAPHY, CLIMATE, SILK, etc.
The Gobi Desert separates China from its neighbors to the NORTH.
When considering weather and temperature patterns, the eastern section of China receives more rainfall
than the northeastern section.
Rivers AND mountain ranges tend to run from east to west in China.
People began to grow crops in the rich soil of silt deposits left behind by flooded river beds.
Today’s scientists would think that the practice of carving questions about the future on bones or shells then
heating them up and “reading” the cracks to make predictions would be inaccurate and unsuitable.
When all of the people of China began using the same coins and the same writing system, TRADE became
much easier.
The iron plow and wheelbarrow allowed the Chinese to till more land and raise more crops.
The Silk Road began in China and ended at the Mediterranean Sea.
China became wealthy because of the popularity of silk in Rome.
Even early Chinese civilizations had social class divisions.
Doing well on an exam was just one way to get a government job.