Period 1: Technological and Environmental Transformations to

600 B.C.E.Early Society in East Asia

Early ChinaAgriculture

developed in China around 700 B.C.E. along the Chang Jiang and Huang He rivers.Rice in the southMillet in the north

Early ChinaBy 3000 B.C.E. people in both river valleys

were ling together in organized communities which managed their own affairs but communicated, traded, and interacted with other towns and villages along the river’s banks.

Early ChinaBy the end of the third millennium, the larger

regional states of Xia, Shang, and Zhou emerged to bring much of China under their authority.

Early Agricultural Society and the Xia DynastyHuang He river made

agricultural possible in China.

Xia Dynasty:Believed to first emerge in

2000 B.C.E.Ancient legends credit Yu

as the founder of Xia Established precedent for

hereditary monarchial rule in China.

Effective flood control projects

Development of metallurgy

The Shang DynastyFollowed Xia DynastyUtilized bronze metallurgy, horses, chariots,

and other wheeled vehicles to build large quantities of weapons and strong armies, which they then used to take over much of northeastern China.

Also used bronze metallurgy to build agricultural surpluses.

The Zhou DynastyDeveloped along the

Wei River in northwestern China

Broke alliance with Shang and overcame them.

Ruled China from 1122 BCE to 256 BCE

The Zhou DynastyMandate of Heaven – Idea that the emperor’s

rule reflected his role as “son of heaven” and as long as he governed conscientiously, the cosmos would enjoy harmonious stability.

If he failed, the heavens would withdraw their mandate and transfer it to a more deserving individual.

The Zhou DynastyRuled through a decentralized government.Period of Warring States – Subordinates of

the Zhou Dynasty started warring with one another.Eventually fell, and Qin dynasty emerged.

Society and Family in Ancient ChinaIntroduction of agriculture, establishment of

sedentary communities, and ensuing accumulation of wealth within families created the foundations for social distinctions and patriarchy in China.

The Social OrderRoyal families and allied noble familiesAdministrative and military leadership

positionsFree craftsmen and artisansMerchants and tradersPeasants and slaves

Family and PatriarchyPatriarchal society with men at the head of

the family possessing tremendous power.

Cultural DevelopmentBegun during the

Xia era but further developed during the Shang dynasty, writing served as the foundation for Chinese cultural traditions.

Ancient China and the Larger WorldTreacherous geography:

Hindered, but did not stop, interaction with China.

Neighbors to the north, west, and south all developed intense relationships with Chinese agricultural society

Influence eventually spread to Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand.