Classical Civilization: China 2 Classical Civilization: China

Establishment of Political Order New order from 700s B.C.E. New political structures Zhou, Qin, then Han rule Establishment of enduring institutions

China from the Later Zhou to the Han Era

Establishment of Political Order Han Dynasty Overthrew Qin in 207 B.C.E. Ruled for four centuries Long-lasting, stable bureaucracy Rise of Chinese sense of uniqueness

Establishment of Political Order Cultural traditions Broad isolation Enduring philosophy of yin and yang

Patterns in Classical China Pattern established New dynasty Begins rule strong, economic strength Dynasty weakens, revenues decline Internal rebellions and invasions Succeeding dynasty emerges

Patterns in Classical China Zhou Dynasty (1029-258 B.C.E.) Came from the north, replacing Shang System of indirect rule Territorial expansion Some centralization Linguistic unity Religious practices reshaped

Patterns in Classical China Qin Rule Originally nomadic, marginal Shi Huangdi Zhou rival Rules from about 200 B.C.E. Great Wall Great centralization Death of Shi Huangdi in 210 B.C.E. Leads to a period of conflict

Patterns in Classical China The Han Dynasty Territorial expansion Contact with India Trade with Roman Empire Wu Ti (140-87 B.C.E.) Establishes peaceful rule Han rule strong until about 220 C.E.

Patterns in Classical China Government allows rule of large territory Reliance on family structure Ancestor worship Local rule weakened Single law code over all Rule from center out

Patterns in Classical China Strong Bureaucracy Power of warrior-landlords lessened Examination system put in place by Wu Ti Highly-integrated system Trained bureaucrats Some limits on imperial power

Ancient Capitals

Patterns in Classical China Roles of the state Military role not preeminent Economic role Weights, measures, currency Public works

Religion and Culture Confucianism Concern with stability, peace An ethical system Role of moral elite Education central The Confucian Gentleman Moral rectitude Public and private spheres equally important Kings should be reminded of duties

Religion and Culture Legalism Favored a strong state, ruling through force Belief that human nature was basically evil In opposition to Confucianism in many ways Yet the two often combined in exercise of power

Religion and Culture Popular religion Confucianism has limited appeal Polytheism persists Conciliation of spirits Family ceremonies

Religion and Culture Laozi (400s B.C.E.) Philosopher Retreat from society State cannot solve all problems Nature Dao, cosmic force Meditation

Religion and Culture Literature, Art, and Science Five Classics Combination of genres Basis for government examinations Decorative arts Calligraphy Science concentrated on the practical

Economy and Society Confucian Social System Landowning aristocracy and bureaucrats Laboring masses: peasants and artisans The “mean people” Unskilled laborers Performing artists Slaves

Economy and Society Trade and technology Trade increases under the Zhou and Han Little respect for trade and merchants Technology Plows, new collar for draft animals Iron tools Water-powered mills Ppaer

Economy and Society Gender and Family Life Great emphasis on authority Parental authority especially upheld Women subordinate to men

How Chinese Society Fits Together Isolation View of surrounding peoples as inferior No missionary desires Buddhism an exception

How Chinese Society Fits Together Social and Cultural Links to Politics Society viewed as a whole Government and society seen as one Agriculture tied to government through revenue

How Chinese Society Fits Together Complexities in Classical China Confucianism versus Daoism Many points of overlap But some antagonism Balance often upset Overpopulation might lead to uprisings

Global Connections: Classical China and the World Qin and Han China Agriculture permits large population Development of technologies Influence through the Silk Road China connected with other areas Trade mostly by nomadic merchants The “Middle Kingdom” Influence on surrounding peoples