Classical Period in China ~700s BCE~200s CE Feudalism of Zhou period weakens (Late Zhou & Warring States Periods) Qin (Chin) 221-202 BCE Han (Hahn) 202 BCE – 220 CE New political structures Establishment of enduring institutions

China from the Later Zhou to the Han Era

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

Zhou Dynasty (1029-258 B.C.E.) Came from the north, replacing Shang System of indirect rule (Feudalism) Territorial expansion Centralization Linguistic unity (Mandarin) Religious practices reshaped (end of human sacrifice)

Qin Rule Originally nomadic, marginal Shi Huangdi Zhou rival Rules from about 221 B.C.E. Great Wall Great centralization - Legalism Death of Shi Huangdi in 210 B.C.E. Leads to a period of conflict

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

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

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

Hierarchy of Government Bureaucracy of Merit Chinese Households Hierarchy of Government Officials Nobles EMPEROR Eunuchs Confucian Schools CONFUCIAN EXAMS: Liu = 100% Qin = 99% Yi = 89% Xian = 88% Zhou = 79% Bureau of War Bureau of Taxes Governor Prov. B Governor of Province A Governor of Province C Bureau of Farm Relief * Placement in Jobs Based on Merit Farmers

Roles of the state Military role not preeminent Economic role Weights, measures, currency Public works

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

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

Popular religion / Traditional Folk Religion Confucianism has limited appeal Polytheism persists Conciliation of spirits Family ceremonies

Daoism / Taoism Laozi [Lao Tsu] (400s B.C.E.) Philosopher Retreat from society State cannot solve all problems Nature Dao, cosmic force Meditation

Literature, Art, and Science Five Classics (Confucianism) 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

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

Gender and Family Life Great emphasis on authority Parental authority especially upheld Women subordinate to men Elder rules younger Familial piety

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

Social and Cultural Links to Politics Society viewed as a whole Government and society seen as one Agriculture tied to government through revenue Mandate of Heaven / Confucian Relationships Compare and contrast the use of “religion” as a technology to order society and politics in India and China. What belief systems were used and in what ways?

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