Chinese Philosophies Chinese thinkers developed 3 major philosophies: Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. Confucianism is a system of beliefs based on the teachings of Confucius. He believed people should place their family and community above themselves, rulers should rule justly and set an example, and subjects should obey the law. Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” He believed government jobs should be open to all people, not just nobles (civil service test). Work hard to make the world better.

Daoism- a Chinese philosophy concerned with obtaining long life and living in harmony with nature. Started by Laozi. Believes people should live free of worldly desires and live simply. Many Chinese followed Confucianism and Daoism (felt they supported one another). Legalism- a Chinese philosophy that stressed the importance of laws. Started by Hanfeizi. Believed humans are naturally evil. Strict laws and punishments were necessary to force people to do their duty. Nobles supported Legalism and it did not require leaders to consider their people. Cruel punishments for small crimes.

Chinese Life 4 social classes: 1.Aristocrats: wealthy land owners 2.Farmers: rented fields from Aristocrats. 9/10 Chinese were farmers. 3.Artisans and 4.Merchants: Provided goods and services. Merchants were looked down on because they worked for their own gain, not the good of society. Chinese families were big. Kids worked in fields. Practiced filial piety- the responsibility children have to respect, obey, and care for their parents. Men worked/women ran the household.

The Great Wall of China was constructed to keep nomads across the Gobi desert from invading. Dynasty ended after Qin’s death.

The Silk Road Exploration west of China brought trade of silk, spices, and luxury goods on horses. The Silk Road was a network of roads stretching to the Mediterranean: the main trade link between China and the Roman Empire. Buddhism spread to China from India. Civil war destroyed the Han Empire and China divided into many small kingdoms.

Society and Culture in Ancient China Chapter 10 Sections 2 and 3

Zhou Dynasty Ruled with the help of a bureaucracy – officials who carry out the task of government Divided the civilization into territories Zhou dynasty claimed they had a Mandate of Heaven- Kings right to rule came from the God’s Zhou expanded Chinas system of trade and with improved irrigation were able to farm more crops then ever before. Over time aristocrats power became larger and would ignore the Kings for their own good.

The Qin Dynasty Before the Qin dynasty, China was ruled by Absolute power/harsh punishments. Appointed Censors- an official who watches other for correct behavior, to watch the government. Created currency- money. His tomb housed the Terracotta Warriors.

Han Dynasty The first Han leader wanted to end family members and aristocrats running the government. He chose dedicated people for civil service- the administrative service of a government. The system ended up favoring the educated rich. Education was important to prepare for civil service, study law and history, and the ideas of Confucius.

When farmers died land was divided among their sons. Land plots got smaller each generation. Farmers could not raise enough food on their lands and became tenant farmers. Tenant farmers- a farmer who works land owned by someone else and pays rent in cash or as a share of the crop. Land owners became more wealthy/ tenant farmers grew poorer.

Chinese Inventions Cast iron plow- break up soil better than a wooden plow. Drainage systems made swampy lands farmable. Waterwheels could grind more grain. Iron drill bits mined salt. Wheelbarrows could carry heavy items. Silk/paper. Improved the sailboat. Acupuncture- A practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points to relieve pain and treat disease. New medicines with herbs.