Rise of Civilization in China

China’s Geography Isolated due to physical barriers

Isolation contributed to belief that China was the center of the world• Still managed to have contact with other cultures

Gobi Desert

Mountains

Rain Forest

Pacific Ocean

Huang (Yellow) River Heartland of China

Where Neolithic people first learned to farm

“River of Sorrows”

China Takes Shape Shang Dynasty – 1st Dynasty

• 1766-1122 B.C.E.

Clan leaders organized to fight off nomadic invaders

social classes developed

Zhou Dynasty (1122-256 B.C.E.) “Mandate of Heaven”

• Divine right to rule• Used to explain the dynastic cycle

Developed into a feudal state

China’s economy grew• iron-working arrived in 600s BCE• money economy• prosperity led to increase in population

Dynastic Cycle

Religious Beliefs Develop late Zhou Period – filled with warfare

between rival feudal states

Confucius• life dedicated to education and public service

• took little interest in spiritual matter like salvation

• developed a philosophy focused on social order and good (as in just) government

Confucianism harmony results when

people accept their place in society• 5 key relationships

Everyone has duties and responsibilities• correct behavior brings order & stability

• filial piety above all others

Daoism Sought harmony with nature

Focused on “the way” of the universe• the Dao

Reject conflict, strife and “unnatural ways” of society• Ex: Government

Eventually Confucianism & Daoism became blended

Achievements of Early China Calendar of 356 ¼ days

Silk-making discovered by 2640 BCE

Writing system developed 4,000 y.a.• Made up of characters

Shi Huangdi Unifies China authoritarian Qin government

abolished feudalism• Replaced with military districts

Used Legalist advisors• Only way to achieve order is strict laws and harsh punishment

promoted unity• built Great Wall

Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 AD) Emperor Wudi (141 -87 BCE)

• monopoly on salt and iron• expansionism led to network of trade routes = Silk Road

Confucianism became official belief system

Civil Service System developed• Earn govt. position based on merit & knowledge of Confucian thought

Golden Age of the Han Scientific achievements

• astronomy• medicine

Most technologically advanced civilization of its time• paper making• shipbuilding – added rudder for steering

• suspension bridges

Buddhism is slowly

accepted by Chinese