China Builds A Bureaucracy Learning Goal 4: Describe the basic beliefs of legalism, Daoism, and Confucianism and explain how classical Chinese leaders created a strong centralized government based on Confucian teachings. (TEKS/SE’s 3A,23A,16C,25A) Essential Question: What are the basic beliefs of legalism, Daoism, and Confucianism? How did Classical Chinese leaders create a strong centralized government based on Confucian teachings?

During the Classical Era, China developed some of its greatest cultural achievements. Chinese history is generally divided into periods based upon the dynasty that ruled at that time. From 1027 B.C. to 220 A.D., China was ruled by three main dynasties. Zhou Dynasty 1027 B.C. – 221 B.C. Qin Dynasty 221 B.C. – 206 B.C. Han Dynasty 206 B.C. – 220 A.D.

Zhou Dynasty 1122 B.C. – 256 B.C. Zhou rulers justified their rule as the Mandate of Heaven Belief that the dynasty was chosen to rule by heaven If things start to go wrong under a dynasty (floods, drought, riots, etc.) that meant the dynasty had lost the Mandate of Heaven It was then the citizens duty to overthrow them Chinese Dynastic Cycle begins Zhou Dynasty was based on feudal rule Land was given to nobles in exchange for military service

Qin Dynasty 221 B.C.- 206 B.C. End of the Zhou Dynasty By the 6th century B.C. local nobles became too powerful for the rulers to control and China was plunged into a period of civil war called the Warring States Period The Qin Dynasty arose from the Warring States Period in 221 BCE The Qin leaders used a philosophy of harsh, strict rule to dominate their neighbors in western China. Qin Shi Huangdi, was the first ruler of the Qin Dynasty from 221-210 BCE He was a harsh yet skillful ruler He divided China into administrative provinces Qin Shi Huangdi was a ruthless ruler, he forced his people to work, burned Confucians to death, and burnt all works of literature.

QIN DYNASTY (CONT.) Despite his ruthlessness, Qin Shi Huangdi accomplished much common language common currency Ordered the building of roads constructed the first fortifications of the Great Wall Standardized laws in the region contributed to the unification of China. After Qin Shi Huangdi died rebellions and violent revolts The dynasty did not last very long Han Dynasty quickly took over

This ideology developed during the Warring States Period. Followers of this ideology believe that humans are inherently evil and will only obey authority through force. Important characteristics include: Strict laws Harsh punishments The sacrifice of personal freedom for the good of the state This ideology was embraced by the Qin Dynasty (221 BCE – 207 BCE), and it heavily influenced the ruler Shi Huangdi’s political decisions.

Founded by the philosopher LaoTzu in the 6th Century BCE It arose during The Warring States Period in-between the rule of the Zhou Dynasty and the Qin Dynasty It originated as a proposed way to politically organize China Beliefs: Encouraged followers to avoid useless struggles by following The Dao (the path) Shunned political and military ambitions as lacking morality and meaning Guided its followers to nature for comfort and understanding Emphasizes acceptance and individual retreat from society It has around 20 million followers today

Confucianism is an ancient Chinese philosophy, which was first developed in the 5th century BCE The Chinese philosopher Confucius, who lived from 551 B.C.E to 479 B.C.E., was the founder of Confucianism Confucius emphasized the importance of hierarchical, harmonious relationships between people, and that everyone has a place in society, from the wealthiest ruler to the lowliest subject. Confucianism was embraced by the Han Dynasty, and the family hierarchy became the basis for government structure The concepts that Confucius developed (such as the importance of family) can still be seen in East Asian culture today

This is a Confucian idea that describes how to respect one’s elders. It applied to your house, your parents, and your ancestors. Filial Piety is based on the Five Relationships Ruler & Subject Husband & Wife Father & Son Elder Brother & Younger Brother Elder Friend & Younger Friend

Ruled China for over 400 years Established in 206 BCE, Ruled China for over 400 years This dynasty was so influential that some Chinese still call themselves “people of Han” The Han de-emphasized Legalism in favor of Confucianism established a centralized system of government to run the empire Developed a strong central bureaucracy by introducing the Civil Service Exam In order to get a job in the govt. one had to pass the test Tested over knowledge of history and Confucian philosophy Provided a way for commoners to move up the social ladder

Paper was invented during this dynasty in 105 BCE Stirrups for horses were invented Population under this dynasty swelled to 60 million Economic imbalance allowed the rich to grow richer at the expense of the poor. During this time, political instability grew Eventually,in 220 AD, the Han dynasty collapsed into three separate kingdoms.

The Silk Road caravan trails for trade between Asia, India, and Rome The road was primarily established on silk trade and other luxury items, also involved in the spread of ideas and beliefs, contributing to cultural diffusion between the major regions of the time period.