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Section 4. River Dynasties in China. Early rulers introduce ideas about government and society that shape Chinese civilization. NEXT. Section 4. River Dynasties in China. Early rulers introduce ideas about government and society that shape Chinese civilization. NEXT. SECTION. 4. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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Section 4
River Dynasties in ChinaEarly rulers introduce ideas about government and society that shape Chinese civilization.
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Section 4
River Dynasties in ChinaEarly rulers introduce ideas about government and society that shape Chinese civilization.
The Geography of China
River Dynasties in China
Barriers Isolate China• Ocean, mountains, deserts isolate China from other
areas
River Systems• Huang He (“Yellow River”) in north, Yangtze in south• Huang He leaves loess—fertile silt—when it floods
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Environmental Challenges• Huang He floods can devour whole villages• Geographic isolation means lack of trade; must be
self-sufficient
China’s Heartland• North China Plain, area between two rivers, center
of civilization
Civilization Emerges in Shang Times
The First Dynasties• Around 2000 B.C. cities arise; Yu, first ruler of Xia
Dynasty• Yu’s flood control systems tames Huang He
(“Yellow River”)• Shang Dynasty, 1700 to 1027 B.C., first to leave
written records
Early Cities• Built cities of wood, such as Anyang—one of its capital
cities• Upper class lives inside city; poorer people live outside• Shang cities have massive walls for military defense
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Section 4
River Dynasties in ChinaEarly rulers introduce ideas about government and society that shape Chinese civilization.
The Development of Chinese Culture
Chinese Civilization• Sees China as center of world; views others as
uncivilized• The group is more important than the individual
Family• Family is central social institution; respect for parents a
virtue• Elder males control family property• Women expected to obey all men, even sons
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Social Classes• King and warrior-nobles lead society and own the land
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Religious Beliefs• Spirits of dead ancestors can affect family fortunes• Priests scratch questions on animal bones and
tortoise shells• Oracle bones used to consult gods; supreme god,
Shang Di
continued The Development of Chinese Culture
Development of Writing• Writing system uses symbols to represent syllables;
not ideas• People of different languages can use same system• Huge number of characters make system difficult to
learn
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Zhou and the Dynastic Cycle
The Zhou Take Control• In 1027 B.C., Zhou Dynasty takes control of China
Mandate of Heaven• Mandate of Heaven—the belief that a just ruler had
divine approval• Developed as justification for change in power to Zhou• Dynastic cycle—pattern of the rise and decline of
dynasties
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Continued . . .
Control Through Feudalism• Feudalism—system where kings give land to nobles in
exchange for services• Over time, nobles grow in power and begin to fight each
other
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Improvements in Technology and Trade• Zhou Dynasty builds roads, canals to improve
transportation• Uses coins to make trade easier• Produces cast iron tools and weapons; food
production increases
continued Zhou and the Dynastic Cycle
A Period of Warring States• Peaceful, stable Zhou empire rules from around 1027
to 256 B.C.• In 771 B.C., nomads sack the Zhou capital, murder
monarch• Luoyang becomes new capital; but internal wars
destroy traditions
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Section 4
The Unification of ChinaThe social disorder of the warring states contributes to the development of three Chinese ethical systems.
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Confucius and the Social Order
The Unification of China
Zhou Dynasty• Lasted 1027 to 256 B.C.; ancient values decline near
end of dynasty
Confucius Urges Harmony• End of Zhou Dynasty is time of disorder• Scholar Confucius wants to restore order,
harmony, good government• Stresses developing good relationships, including
family• Promotes filial piety—respect for parents and
ancestors• Hopes to reform society by promoting good
government
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Continued . . .
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Confucian Ideas About Government• Thinks education can transform people• Teachings become foundation for bureaucracy,
a trained civil service• Confucianism is an ethical system of right and
wrong, not a religion• Chinese government and social order is based on
Confucianism
continued Confucius and the Social Order
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Other Ethical Systems
Daoists Seek Harmony• Laozi teaches that people should follow the
natural order of life• Believes that universal force called Dao guides
all things• Daoism philosophy is to understand nature and
be free of desire• Daoists influence sciences, alchemy, astronomy,
medicine
Legalists Urge Harsh Rule• Legalism emphasizes the use of law to restore
order; stifles criticism• Teaches that obedience should be rewarded,
disobedience punished
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Continued . . .
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I Ching and Yin and Yang• I Ching (The Book of Changes) offers good advice,
common sense• Concept of yin and yang—two powers represent
rhythm of universe• Yin: cold, dark, soft, mysterious; yang: warm, bright,
hard, clear• I Ching and yin and yang explain how people fit into
the world
continued Other Ethical Systems
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The Qin Dynasty Unifies China
The Qin Dynasty• Qin Dynasty replaces Zhou Dynasty in third
century B.C.
A New Emperor Takes Control• Emperor Shi Huangdi unifies China, ends fighting,
conquers new lands• Creates 36 administrative districts controlled by Qin
officials• With legalist prime minister, murders Confucian scholars, burns books• Establishes an autocracy, a government with
unlimited power
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Continued . . .
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A Program of Centralization• Shi Huangdi builds highways, irrigation projects;
increases trade• Sets standards for writing, law, currency, weights and
measures• Harsh rule includes high taxes and repressive
government
continued The Qin Dynasty Unifies China
Great Wall of China• Emperor forces peasants to build Great Wall to keep
out invaders
The Fall of the Qin • Shi Huangdi’s son loses the throne to rebel leader;
Han Dynasty begins
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