& the Dynastic Cycle

Elements of this cycle can be seen throughout the history of China’s dynasties.

New ruler! New dynasty! Which leads to…. NEW GOLDEN AGE!!!

This “Golden Age” leads to population increase and some type of prosperity as the government tries to assist the people. Unfortunately, this can’t last and…… CORRUPTION SETS IN The empire becomes unstable and begins to decline The peasants begin to rebel and riot. Natural disasters that occur (i.e. famine, floods, earthquakes) are proof to the peasants that the Emperor is losing favor with Heaven.

CIVIL WAR Because the ruler has become corrupt and no longer cares for his people, they rise up against him and he loses the Mandate of Heaven. The population shrinks Another state or dynasty gains powers and emerges victorious. The cycle begins again.

ca BCE Supposed first dynasty No actual evidence this dynasty existed

ca BCE Chinese writing system introduced Bronze technology Developed accurate calendar

ca BCE “Mandate of Heaven” one of the key ideas developed Confucianism and Daoism emerge

BCE Unitary state created (First Chinese Empire) Legalism used to create this unity under Shi Huangdi (he was the guy buried with the Terracotta Army!) Great Wall built

206 BCE-220 CE Confucianism established as orthodoxy Civil service exams introduced (you can get a job based on merit not birth/wealth!) Buddhism traveled the Silk Road to China

CE Empire was fragmented due to outside invaders North dominated by invaders from borderland and steppes South went through successive Chinese dynasties Buddhism spread

CE China reunified Grand Canal built that connected the north and south Military expansion Attempts to establish outside colonies

“Golden Age” Cosmopolitan and cultural flourishing Towards end of dynasty Great Proscription ( ) when Buddhism & its practitioners suffered persecution.

Growth in commerce and maritime trade. Rice & tea became dominant food & drink Foot binding began Mongols invaded, lead by Kublai Khan

Kublai Khan named himself emperor Chinese held beneath both Mongols and foreigners Marco Polo visited (he’s a real guy, not just a game!) Silk Road flourished

Hongwu, backed by peasants, overthrew Mongols and became emperor Inward-looking state. Focused on internal versus external expansion.

Dramatic increase in population Invasion and intervention of foreigners Taiping and Boxer Rebellions happen during this time This is the last dynasty of China