Ancient China

4 Philosophies of Ancient China Buddhism: introduced from India along the Silk Road Confucianism: favored by rulers and adopted by the Han Emperor as the official state belief system Daoism: stressed harmony with nature Legalism: opposed Confucian belief that proper behavior would solve societies problems. Encouraged strict laws, severe punishments, & a strong central govt.

Dynastic China Zhou Dynasty (1027-256 BCE) Claimed they had a right to rule because they possessed the Mandate of Heaven: permission to rule was granted by the divine power Mandate of Heaven was later used to explain the Dynastic Cycle: a dynasty would remain in power as long as it was providing good govt. Dev. of silk and the beginnings of the exportation of this resource Dev. of bookmaking

Unified China for the first time Known for warfare: dev. Cavalry Qin Dynasty (221 – 206 BCE) Unified China for the first time Known for warfare: dev. Cavalry Favored Legalism: the state had absolute control and the nobility lost their power Achievements: standardized the language, writing, currency, & measurements Great Wall of China built to protect from Northern invasions Punished any opposition and burned books

Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) Considered China’s Golden Age Govt. focused on economic development: the Silk Road ~ stretched as far as Mesopotamia and India (4000 miles) ~ main method of exchange btwn. China and other cultures ~ main export: silk ~ imports: glass, cloth, food, architecture, gold, camels, Buddhism Confucianism was the state belief system: civil service workers had to pass a Civil Service Exam to get a job: the Merit System Achievements: adv. in science, accurate clocks, ship rudders, & PAPER

Tang Dynasty: strict social structure developed, dev Tang Dynasty: strict social structure developed, dev. Of gunpowder, block printing, & the first vaccinations Song Dynasty: movable type printing

Cultural Diffusion of Chinese Culture Japan Retained political independence Copied Chinese models of government Adopted Confucian philosophy, historical writing, and architecture (pagoda) Japanese modified the Chinese system of writing Buddhism became the dominant religion in Japan Eventually, the influence of China declined in the 9th century Long-term impact: Zen Buddhism, which is still a dominant faith in Japan today

Vietnam: (as an example of the influence on SE Asia) Korea: Influenced the most by China Became a Chinese colony Chinese rulers attempted to institute the Chinese writing, examination system, and govt. bureaucracy (process of Sinification) Buddhism did take hold, Confucianism did not Trade and colonization offered access to Chinese learning art, and goods Vietnam: (as an example of the influence on SE Asia) Chinese wanted Vietnam to control the rice production in the country The Vietnamese resisted the adoption of Chinese more than other areas Early attempts at conquest yielded trade, but no political control Some differences between the two cultures: language, dress, and the higher status of women The Han will eventually conquer and Confucianism, agricultural techniques, and military techniques will take hold Even after winning independence from China in the 10th century, Chinese bureaucracy and Buddhism remained in place