Classical Civilization:ChinaChapter 2

I. Classical ChinaClassical China established a dynastic pattern of strong political institutions, followed by periods of decline and fall.1.Zhou Dynasty (c. 1029-258 BCE)2.Fell- resulting in a period- Warring States

Three Philosophies Confucianism Daoism Legalism

Confucianism 551-478 BCE Stressed relationaships 5 Relationships Ruler- Subject Husband-Wife Parent-Child Sibling-Sibling Friend-Friend Believed that if these are balanced- all will run

smoothly Not really spiritual

Daoism Balance nature The Dao Peace comes by balancing the dao Yin and yang- opposing forces. Daoists

believe that all nature is in balance. Harmony with nature brings peace.

“Go with the flow”

Legalism Humans are naturally evil Gov should rule with authoritarian force.

#2 Qin Dynasty 221-202 BCE Shi Huangdi, overthrew Zhou Political

created centralized control with provincial bureaucracy Increased Chinese territory Began census, standardization axels Brutal rule high taxes and persecution of intellectual led to downfall

Technology and Culture built Great Wall written language Confucianism unfavored silk production

#3 Han Dynasty Political: Peasant revolt at emperor’s death;

lasted until 220 CE Retained centralized admin of Qin extended territory formalized bureaucracy with Confucian training Han formalized bureaucracy with civil service tests only open to wealthy land

owners Economy: Han supported economy with

organized production, price regulation, public works

Trade/Economy in the Han trade expanded during Han; focused on

providing luxury goods to wealthy, some food exchange between regions, even extra regional trade along Silk Roads

Considerable disdain for greed, merchants

Diffusion of ideas with India, ME, Europe

Religion in the Han: Confucian philosophy: Han

supportedConfucius Legalism emerged from Qin, Han,

believed man need authoritarian state to control evil nature

Daoism, Buddhism become strong with lower classes, after fall of Han; stressed humility, frugality; believed politics, learning irrelevant

Han Art and Intellectual Life

Literary tradition based in Five Classics, Confucian ideas

Daoism promoted: Art with careful detail, poetry

absence of unifying religion didn’t promote monument building

Science Innovation key function of culture focused on

discovering natural harmony; accurate calendar, most planets, early seismology, anatomy, hygiene

IV. Han Social Issues Society structured on Confucian hierarchy, SPAM Scholars Peasants Artisans Merchants

Tight family organization, filial piety, strict control of emotions, family center, model of orderly harmonious hierarchy- Which philosophy?

Restriction of Women: arranged marriages, women’s power held with emotional control of husbands, sons, becoming mother’s in law; eventually results in foot binding

Considerable disdain for greed, merchants