Ch. 4.4 The Unification of China Objective: Compare the ethical systems that arose in the late Zhou period.

Warring States Period A period of bloodshed brought far - reaching change to Chinese culture. Chaos and defiance of law replaced Chinese respect for authority.

China’s Social Order Collapsed Ancient values and harmony were no longer valid. Chinese philosophers began to look for ways to restore lost values.

Confucius Sought Harmony China’s most influential scholar (551-479 B.C.) A lifetime spent studying and teaching, encouraging moral character. Saw that China was being torn apart by warrior lords.

Confucius’ Plan Confucius felt it was possible to restore order in China. He believed society could be organized around 5 basic relationships.

Confucius’ Five Basic Relationships Ruler and Subject Father and Son Husband and Wife Older Brother / Younger Brother Friend and Friend What responsibilities are attached to each of these?

A Code of Conduct was Stressed An unwritten code of conduct regulated each of the 5 relationships. Confucius stressed the practice of filial piety for people: Respect for parents and elders.

A Political Appointment Confucius hoped to lead others by his example. He was named as Minister of Justice for his province, but later resigned his post due to political intrigue. Confucius believed that he was a failure. Confucius hoped to advise an Emperor

The Analects of Confucius Confucius spent the rest of his life teaching. The only record of his ideas are found in writings of his students. “What you do not wish done to yourself, do not do to others…” Confucius

A Bureaucracy is Created Confucian ideas of education laid the groundwork for a trained civil service. Education held the key to advancement in the bureaucracy.

Confucius’ Ideas Molded Chinese Thought for Centuries Confucianism became an ethical system. It became the foundation for social order and Chinese government. Later, his ideas would spread throughout east Asia.

The Daoists Another Chinese thinker named Laozi believed in a different viewpoint. For Laozi, only the natural order was important.

Daoism Develops Laozi believed a universal force of nature called the “Dao” or “the way” guided all things. Of all living things, only humans fail to follow the Dao! Nature: An example of the Dao

The Legalists A practical group of thinkers called the Legalists had other ideas. Founders were Li Si and Hanfeizi A strong gov’t held the key to restoring order. A strong contrast to Confucius and Laozi !

Legalist Ideas Gov’t should use law to end civil disorder. A ruler should richly reward those who carry out their duties well. Disobedience should be harshly punished! Ideas & Actions were punished under Legalism.

The I Ching A book of oracles used by those uninterested in philosophy. A set of coins were tossed and interpreted along with a reading from the book called the I Ching. Advice and common sense were offered as solutions to problems.

Thinkers developed the concept which represented the rhythms of life. Yin represents the feminine and Yang the masculine qualities of the universe. Both complement the other, no one is stronger. Yin and Yang . Helped explain how they fit in the world.

The Qin Dynasty Begins The Qin Dynasty replaced the Zhou Dynasty in the 200’s B.C. Its young ruler used Legalist ideas to subdue warring states and unify his country.

Shi Huangdi: First Emperor of China His name showed China’s history started with his rule. First, he stopped the internal fighting. Second, he turned toward crushing outside invaders and internal opposition to his rule.

Shi Huangdi’s Goal: Unification of China He demanded all noble families to live at the capital city. Noble’s lands were confiscated and divided into districts controlled by Qin officials.

Shi Huangdi Established an Autocracy A ruler who has unlimited power and uses it arbitrarily. Ordered “useless” books burned. Hundreds of Confucian scholars were murdered.

Uniform Standards were Set Qin standardized Chinese writing, law, currency weights and measures. Forced peasants to build a system of roads. Qin advances came at the cost of human freedom.

The Great Wall Walls had been built in areas before to keep invaders out. Shi Huangdi ordered any gaps in the wall to be closed. Thousands of peasants worked to death to build 1400 miles of wall. A Peasant’s Choice: Work or Die!

Fall of the Qin Dynasty Chinese people hated the Qin for their way of ruling. Shi Huangdi ruled for 11 years. Upon his death, his son took over. A peasant rebellion would end his reign as emperor. “Meet the new boss - Same as the old boss.”

Shi Huangdi’s Grave Discovered by workers digging a well in 1974. Built almost like a city itself. About 4 miles in size ! Shi Huangdi’s treasures are still being excavated! It took 36 years to construct the tomb.

The Terracotta Soldiers 8, 000 clay soldiers in battle formation are guarding the tomb. Each was life size. All were modeled after real men. No two are alike! All soldiers are facing East

The Grave of Shi Huangdi Archeologists are free to visit and learn, only Chinese do the digging!