Dynastic Cycle of Chinese History New Dynasty Defenses weakened; Dynasty overthrown New Philosophy Build Infrastructure Peasant Rebellion DYNASTIC CYCLE: NEED TO SERVE TO GAIN SUPPORT OF POWER—INFRASTRUCTURE, ETC. HOW DO GOV’S HOLD POWER? HOW TO PEOPLE CHALLENGE POWER? (MEDIA, MILITARY, CITIZENSHIP, ACCESS TO POWER, FOOD, PEASANT REVOLTS, ETC.). ALL GOV’S USE IDEOLOGY (PHILOSOPHY) SELECTIVELY—DISTINGUISH BTW. WHAT GOVS SAY AND DO. JUST SOCIETY Infrastructure declines (flooding) Taxation Corruption

Definitions Dynasty: Feudalism Empire Bureaucracy A family or group that maintains power for several generations. Noble class that exchanges use of land for protection; power is private; social structure is hereditary Centralized rule over a broad and diverse territory Administrative system of government—roles of government are run by specialists Review hierarchy: how does it look in ancient society? Dynastic Cycle: need to serve to gain support of power—infrastructure, etc. How do gov’s hold power? How to people challenge power? (media, military, citizenship, access to power, food, peasant revolts, etc.). All gov’s use ideology (philosophy) selectively—distinguish btw. What govs say and do. What is the goal of government? (to stay in power, serve people, abuse for power and gain; define political power). How do people create powerful empires? How do powerful empires remain in power? (need established means of continuity—constitution v. dynasty) What benefits do empires have; what disadvantages, to newly conquered people? What happens when governments don’t serve people? (Are not always hones—when goal of power exceeds will to create better society. people revolt when there is concensus on philosophy but government does not adhere to.) What form of government did China create thousands of years ago (and many others)? Dynasty: A family or group that maintains power for several generations (political dynasty). Am. Heritage Dictionary Chinese history is cyclical, not linear. China cycles between being an open and closed society. Chinese Civilization, including its well developed bureaucracy, is old and continues to have a major impact. Longest continuous empire on earth (we should all speak Chinese)

Hierarchy in Ancient China Review hierarchy: how does it look in ancient society? Dynastic Cycle: need to serve to gain support of power—infrastructure, etc. How do gov’s hold power? How to people challenge power? (media, military, citizenship, access to power, food, peasant revolts, etc.). All gov’s use ideology (philosophy) selectively—distinguish btw. What govs say and do. What is the goal of government? (to stay in power, serve people, abuse for power and gain; define political power). How do people create powerful empires? How do powerful empires remain in power? (need established means of continuity—constitution v. dynasty) What benefits do empires have; what disadvantages, to newly conquered people? What happens when governments don’t serve people? (Are not always hones—when goal of power exceeds will to create better society. people revolt when there is concensus on philosophy but government does not adhere to.) What form of government did China create thousands of years ago (and many others)? Dynasty: A family or group that maintains power for several generations (political dynasty). Am. Heritage Dictionary Chinese history is cyclical, not linear. China cycles between being an open and closed society. Chinese Civilization, including its well developed bureaucracy, is old and continues to have a major impact. Longest continuous empire on earth (we should all speak Chinese)

Shang and Zhou Dynasties Shang—1750-1027 BCE Zhou—1027-221 BCE Social Structure Aristocratic families controlled provinces; some slavery Feudalism; more formal hierarchy; some slavery Education Writing (pictographs, calligraphy) King as moral, secular model Economy Agriculture base—King owned all land; Artisans Agricultural base. Increase infrastructure: Taxation, canals, roads, growth of cities, iron (stronger weapons) Belief (religion, philosophy Animism Gods (Ti, King descended from) Oracle bones Mandate of Heaven Secular philosophy: Confucianism, Yin Yang, etc. Government King descend from gods, Bureaucracy Mandate of Heaven: king is model of fairness; overthrow when fail. SHANG CITIES: LAID OUT IN 4 QUADRANTS ALLIGNED WITH NORTH STAR—EARLY OBSESSION WITH ORDER IMPOSED BY GODS AND MONARCHS (FENG SHUI) DIVINATION AND SACRIFICE FADES AWAY DURING ZHOU (1027-221 BCE). SEPARATION OF RELIGION AND GOVT.

Shang Oracle Bones Source: National Geographic

Zhou Dynasty: foundation of Chinese Civilization Zhou—1027-221 BCE Social Structure Feudalism Education King as moral model Economy Agricultural base. Increase infrastructure: Taxation, canals, roads, growth of cities iron (stronger weapons) Belief (religion, philosophy) Mandate of Heaven Philosophies (secular): Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, Yin Yang. Government Mandate of Heaven (king is model of fairness; overthrow when fail). Bureaucracy