China 2000 – 221 B.C.E
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Transcript of China 2000 – 221 B.C.E
China 2000 – 221 B.C.E
The same or different to “River Civilizations?”
River Civilizations
• Think back to last week. With your partner, discuss the following questions:– What was the main purpose of writing?– To what extent was literacy widespread?– What characteristics defined belief systems?– What was the main purpose of social
structures?
Geography
Shang Dynasty: 1750 – 1027 B.C.E Warrior Aristocracy
King & Court rule core areaof state directly.
Aristocrats = Generals,Ambassadors,
supervise public projects
Royal family governed surrounding agric. areas
Native rulers swear allegiance to Shang
Nomads:attackedperiodically
to gain booty,pride & POW
Nomads:despite Shangpropagandanot “inferior”
Compare & Contrast
• Is the Shang social structure so different to the River Valley Civilizations?
Shang belief systems
• King as intermediary
• Ancestor worship (male)
• Sacrifices
• Divination
• Oracle Bones
Shang Administration
• Decentralized
• Pictograms – formal writing, does not change over time
• Bronze and metallurgy
• Trade with Mesopotamia
• Chariots
• Natural resources and inventions
Compare and Contrast
• In regard to state administration, do the Shang have more in common with the Egyptians or the Mesopotamians? Explain
Zhou: 11th – 9th Century BCE
Validation Myth
• Mandate from Heaven
• Continue Shang traditions in Admin/Trade
• Religion changes focus
• Rise of philosophy and mysticism
Compare and Contrast
• Compare and contrast the link between religion and government in Zhou China and Egypt.
• The Zhou are characterized as separating Church and State. How is this statement true?
Zhou – After 800 BCE
Eastern Zhou
“Spring and Autumn Period”
– 771 to 481 BCE
Eastern Zhou
“Warring States Period”
- 480 – 221 BCE
Legalism
• Increased competition lead to bureaucracy expanding - centralizing
• State demanded obedience to fulfill needs of a more centralized government– Human nature is essentially wicked– People only behave if forced by law and
punishment– Sacrifice your personal freedom for the state
Confucianism
• Kongzi – 551-479 BCE
• “Ren” Government exists to serve people Father Ruler
Sons Public Officials
Wife Common People
Daughters
Daoism
• Laozi - Warring state period– Accepts the world as they see it– Avoiding violence– Passivity; minimal action necessary for task– World always changing & lacks absolute
meaning• Follow the Dao to right conduct
Societal Roles Change
• Impact of Legalism and Confucianism
• Clan becomes 3 Tier family
• Hierarchy codified
• Role of Women
• Yin and Yang– Balance, later translated to mean superiority
Question
• Of the following statements which do you agree with more? Explain.– Ancient Chinese belief systems created social
systems in Shang and Zhou China– Ancient Chinese belief systems were a
reaction to the social systems at play in Shang and Zhou China
• How important was the role of environment in the development of early Chinese civilizations?