The Zhou and the Qin Dynasties In this lesson, students will be able to identify characteristics of the Zhou and Qin dynasties. Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms: The Mandate of Heaven Confucianism Daoism A Strong Central Government E. Napp

The first known dynasty of China was the Shang dynasty. This dynasty united the people living around the Huang He and Yangtze river valleys. E. Napp

The Zhou Dynasty Around 1027 B.C., the Zhou conquered the Shang. The Zhou dynasty lasted longer than any other Chinese dynasty. It lasted from 1027 B.C. to 221 B.C. Zhou rulers claimed the right to rule or the Mandate of Heaven. E. Napp

The Zhou dynasty lasted longer than any other Chinese dynasty. E. Napp

Mandate of Heaven The Mandate of Heaven was the Chinese belief that the gods picked the emperor to rule but the gods could also remove a bad emperor from power. The Mandate of Heaven can be viewed as the right to rule. The ruler kept the Mandate of Heaven for as long as he ruled effectively. E. Napp

Zhou rulers claimed the Mandate of Heaven or the right to rule. However, the gods could remove the ruler’s E. Napp

Philosophers during Zhou China During the Zhou dynasty, two important Chinese philosophies developed. Confucianism and Daoism were two significant philosophies developed during the Zhou dynasty. Both philosophies stressed the importance of harmony as Zhou China experienced increased warfare. E. Napp

Confucius was an important Chinese philosopher. He stressed the importance of order to achieve harmony. Confucius believed that if people knew and did what they should do, then harmony would occur. E. Napp

It is believed that the founder of Daoism or Taoism was Lao Tzu. Daoism was a philosophy that stressed the importance of nature. By living naturally, harmony could be achieved. E. Napp

The Qin Dynasty In 221 B.C., the Qin dynasty emerged. The Qin dynasty established a strong central government or a strong government that controlled all of China’s local rulers. The Qin ruler was the first Chinese ruler to call himself emperor. E. Napp

Shi Huang-Ti was the first Chinese emperor. He united China under one ruler. E. Napp

Centralization Shi Huang-Ti was a harsh but strong ruler. He introduced a uniform system of writing. He ordered the execution of people who disagreed with him. The Chinese were forced to obey his rules. E. Napp

The Great Wall of China was built to protect China from During Qin China, the Chinese began building the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall of China was built to protect China from nomadic invaders. E. Napp

Questions for Reflection: Define the Mandate of Heaven. How did the Chinese explain the rise of a new dynasty? How did Confucianism differ from Daoism? Who was Shi Huang-Ti? Why did the Chinese build the Great Wall of China? What are characteristics of a strong central government? E. Napp