Chapter 4:

Ancient Chinese Civilization

Geography of China• Enormous land size: Differing geography and climate–West: higher elevations, cooler, less rainfall = shorter growing seasons–East (China Proper): milder climate, more rainfall = longer growing seasons

China!

Rivers of China• Three major rivers:–Huang (Yellow): Floods fertile soil (loess)–Chang (Yangtze): 3rd largest river in the world–Xi (Pearl): Important southern commercial waterway

Geographical Boundaries of China• Himalayan Mountains/Plateaus:

West, Northwest and Southwest• Gobi Desert: North• Yellow Sea, East China Sea and

South China Sea: East

• EXTREMELY ISOLATED! –Unique culture and language–Strong sense of identity and

superiority

Shang Dynasty• 1750-1500 BC: The

Shang invaded the Huang River Valley.– Introduced simple irrigation

and flood control systems.– Created China’s first

dynasty• Used a complex

government called a bureaucracy– Organized government with

different levels and tasks.

Land

under

Shang

Rule

China under the Shang• Economy: mainly based on agriculture–Began to raise silkworms to make silk

• Several religions practiced:–Combined animism (belief that spirits

inhabit everything) with ancestor worship–Worshiped the gods of wind, sun, clouds

and moon–Priests would read oracle bones

Fall of the Shang Dynasty• 1100’s BC: Shang

continuously battled warlike neighboring states.

–Weakened the Shang• The Zhou people

overthrew the Shang in 1050 BC.–Claimed the Shang were corrupt and unfit to rule.

Zhou Dynasty• Ruled China from 1050-250s BC–Decentralized government–Pledged loyalty to Zhou Rulers–“Mandate of Heaven”: God of Heaven

chose rulers.• In-fighting begins among local

leaders (700s BC)–Warring states vying for power–Qin were victorious

Land gained under the Zhou

Qin Dynasty• Ruled from 221-206 BC–Name China is derived from the Qin

• Founded by Cheng: “First Emperor”–Established in autocracy: held total

power• Great Wall of China built –1,500 miles long–Block invaders from the North–Used forced labor

Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China

Legalism• Chinese political philosophy–Cheng followed these beliefs

• By nature, people are selfish and untrustworthy–Believed that harsh laws and severe

punishments–Only way to achieve peace

• Cheng executed scholars who disagreed with the government• Discontent spread

Execution of Scholars

Han Dynasty• Overthrew the Qin in 206 BC–Liu Bang: Founder, King of Han

• The Han ruled for over 400 years (until 220 AD)–More moderate rulers–Expanded territory –Centralized government–Liu Ch’e: longest ruling emperor• Brought peace and prosperity to the

empire

Land gained under the Han

Han Dynasty• Developed the civil service

system:–Series of tests to pick the most qualified candidate to work for the government

• Trade prospered along the Silk Road–Trade route that stretched to Mediterranean–Carried luxury goods

Goods Traded Along the Silk Road

Confucianism• Most important Chinese philosophy• Founded by Confucius (551-479 BC)–Teachings can be found in the Analects

• Taught of the importance of –Family –Respect for elders–Reverence for the past

and ancestors• Was not a religious prophet,

little with religious ideas

Confucianism• Encouraged positive behavior from

China’s leaders–All people should accept their role in

society –All government leaders should be

virtuous• Interest should be the welfare of the

people, NOT wealth and power• Only educated and moral people

should rule–Set good examples–People would be willing to follow

Daoism• Second most important

Chinese Philosophy• Founded by Laozi• Central idea is the Dao

or “The Way”• Force that governed the

universe• Find balance and harmony in

life, live in peace

Daoism

• Yin and Yang–Shows balance in nature between two forces•Yin: female, dark and passive•Yang: male, bright and active

–Must have both to maintain order

Daoism• Laozi taught that people:–Should not strive for material wealth–Should not get involved in politics–Should work towards harmony with the Dao through being humble, quiet and thoughtful

• Appealed to peasants, artists and poets.–Valued nature, spontaneity and expression

Buddhism in China

• Brought by Missionaries from India• Coincided with Chinese

thought/religious beliefs• Appealed to Peasants: offered

stability after collapse of the Han Dynasty• Mahayana Buddhism most popular