NEXT Section 4 River Dynasties in China Early rulers introduce ideas about government and society that shape Chinese civilization.

NEXT Section 4 River Dynasties in China Early rulers introduce ideas about government and society that shape Chinese civilization.

The Geography of China River Dynasties in China Barriers Isolate China Ocean, mountains, deserts isolate China from other areas River Systems Huang He (“Yellow River”) in north, Yangtze in south Huang He leaves loess—fertile silt—when it floods SECTION 4 Environmental Challenges Huang He floods can devour whole villages Geographic isolation means lack of trade; must be self-sufficient China’s Heartland North China Plain, area between two rivers, center of civilization

NEXT Civilization Emerges in Shang Times The First Dynasties Around 2000 B.C. cities arise; Yu, first ruler of Xia Dynasty Yu’s flood control systems tames Huang He (“Yellow River”) Shang Dynasty, 1700 to 1027 B.C., first to leave written records Early Cities Built cities of wood, such as Anyang—one of its capital cities Upper class lives inside city; poorer people live outside Shang cities have massive walls for military defense SECTION 4

NEXT Section 4 River Dynasties in China Early rulers introduce ideas about government and society that shape Chinese civilization.

NEXT The Development of Chinese Culture Chinese Civilization Sees China as center of world; views others as uncivilized The group is more important than the individual Family Family is central social institution; respect for parents a virtue Elder males control family property Women expected to obey all men, even sons SECTION 4 Continued... Social Classes King and warrior-nobles lead society and own the land

NEXT Religious Beliefs Spirits of dead ancestors can affect family fortunes Priests scratch questions on animal bones and tortoise shells Oracle bones used to consult gods; supreme god, Shang Di continued The Development of Chinese Culture Development of Writing Writing system uses symbols to represent syllables; not ideas People of different languages can use same system Huge number of characters make system difficult to learn SECTION 4

NEXT Zhou and the Dynastic Cycle The Zhou Take Control In 1027 B.C., Zhou Dynasty takes control of China Mandate of Heaven Mandate of Heaven—the belief that a just ruler had divine approval Developed as justification for change in power to Zhou Dynastic cycle—pattern of the rise and decline of dynasties SECTION 4 Continued... Control Through Feudalism Feudalism—system where kings give land to nobles in exchange for services Over time, nobles grow in power and begin to fight each other

NEXT Improvements in Technology and Trade Zhou Dynasty builds roads, canals to improve transportation Uses coins to make trade easier Produces cast iron tools and weapons; food production increases continued Zhou and the Dynastic Cycle A Period of Warring States Peaceful, stable Zhou empire rules from around 1027 to 256 B.C. In 771 B.C., nomads sack the Zhou capital, murder monarch Luoyang becomes new capital; but internal wars destroy traditions SECTION 4

NEXT Section 4 The Unification of China The social disorder of the warring states contributes to the development of three Chinese ethical systems.

NEXT Confucius and the Social Order The Unification of China Zhou Dynasty Lasted 1027 to 256 B.C. ; ancient values decline near end of dynasty Confucius Urges Harmony End of Zhou Dynasty is time of disorder Scholar Confucius wants to restore order, harmony, good government Stresses developing good relationships, including family Promotes filial piety—respect for parents and ancestors Hopes to reform society by promoting good government SECTION 4 Continued...

NEXT Confucian Ideas About Government Thinks education can transform people Teachings become foundation for bureaucracy, a trained civil service Confucianism is an ethical system of right and wrong, not a religion Chinese government and social order is based on Confucianism continued Confucius and the Social Order SECTION 4

NEXT Other Ethical Systems Daoists Seek Harmony Laozi teaches that people should follow the natural order of life Believes that universal force called Dao guides all things Daoism philosophy is to understand nature and be free of desire Daoists influence sciences, alchemy, astronomy, medicine Legalists Urge Harsh Rule Legalism emphasizes the use of law to restore order; stifles criticism Teaches that obedience should be rewarded, disobedience punished SECTION 4 Continued...

NEXT I Ching and Yin and Yang I Ching (The Book of Changes) offers good advice, common sense Concept of yin and yang—two powers represent rhythm of universe Yin: cold, dark, soft, mysterious; yang: warm, bright, hard, clear I Ching and yin and yang explain how people fit into the world continued Other Ethical Systems SECTION 4

NEXT The Qin Dynasty Unifies China The Qin Dynasty Qin Dynasty replaces Zhou Dynasty in third century B.C. A New Emperor Takes Control Emperor Shi Huangdi unifies China, ends fighting, conquers new lands Creates 36 administrative districts controlled by Qin officials With legalist prime minister, murders Confucian scholars, burns books Establishes an autocracy, a government with unlimited power SECTION 4 Continued...

NEXT A Program of Centralization Shi Huangdi builds highways, irrigation projects; increases trade Sets standards for writing, law, currency, weights and measures Harsh rule includes high taxes and repressive government continued The Qin Dynasty Unifies China Great Wall of China Emperor forces peasants to build Great Wall to keep out invaders The Fall of the Qin Shi Huangdi’s son loses the throne to rebel leader; Han Dynasty begins SECTION 4