Chinese Geography/Early Dynasties/ Confucius

River Dynasties Two major rivers flow through the region; The Huang He and the Yangtze. Two major rivers flow through the region; The Huang He and the Yangtze. Mountain ranges and deserts occupy two-thirds of China’s Land. Mountain ranges and deserts occupy two-thirds of China’s Land.

Civilization Appears The Xia Dynasty emerged around 2000 B.C. The Xia Dynasty emerged around 2000 B.C. Lead by Yu, a mathematician and an engineer. He tamed the Huang He using irrigation and flood control projects. Lead by Yu, a mathematician and an engineer. He tamed the Huang He using irrigation and flood control projects. In 1532 BC, the Shang Dynasty rises to power. In 1532 BC, the Shang Dynasty rises to power.

Cultural Findings Family was central to Chinese society. Family was central to Chinese society. The men controlled the property and made decisions. Women were treated as inferiors and had to obey the men of the family. The men controlled the property and made decisions. Women were treated as inferiors and had to obey the men of the family. Arranged Marriages. Arranged Marriages.

Findings Continued Believed that family ancestors brought good fortune or disaster. Believed that family ancestors brought good fortune or disaster. Paid respect and made sacrifices in their honor. Paid respect and made sacrifices in their honor.

Developed Writing Earliest form of writing, oracle bones. Earliest form of writing, oracle bones. Characters stand for ideas, not sounds. Characters stand for ideas, not sounds. Thousands of characters; 1,000 to be literate, 10,000 to be a scholar. (Yet we have 26 letters in our alphabet) Thousands of characters; 1,000 to be literate, 10,000 to be a scholar. (Yet we have 26 letters in our alphabet) Noble children learn to write, Peasant children did not. Noble children learn to write, Peasant children did not.

Technologies and Art Bronze Workers Bronze Workers Used in rituals to show royal power. Used in rituals to show royal power. Silk Silk

Zhou Brings Changes 1027 BC, a people called the Zhou overthrow the Shang dynasty BC, a people called the Zhou overthrow the Shang dynasty. Felt the gods took away power from the Shang and gave it to the Zhou. Felt the gods took away power from the Shang and gave it to the Zhou. Zhou dynasty creates the Mandate of Heaven. Zhou dynasty creates the Mandate of Heaven.

Mandate of Heaven

Feudalism A political system, where nobles, or lords are granted the use of land belong to the king. A political system, where nobles, or lords are granted the use of land belong to the king. Nobles owe loyalty and military service to the king. Nobles owe loyalty and military service to the king. Later used in Europe and Japan Later used in Europe and Japan Nobles fought according to a honorable code of conduct (sound familiar?) Nobles fought according to a honorable code of conduct (sound familiar?)

Zhou Dynasty Declines Capital City sacked by Nomads. Capital City sacked by Nomads. Weak control over the nobles, Warlords claimed neighboring lands. Weak control over the nobles, Warlords claimed neighboring lands. Lords/ Nobles were trained militarily. Lords/ Nobles were trained militarily. Later called “the time of the warring states”. Later called “the time of the warring states”.

Confucius Most Influential scholar in China Most Influential scholar in China Born 551 BC Born 551 BC Studied and taught history, music and moral character. Studied and taught history, music and moral character. Believed that social order, harmony, and a good government could be restored in China. Believed that social order, harmony, and a good government could be restored in China.

A Code of Proper Conduct Ruler and Subject Ruler and Subject Father and Son Father and Son Husband and Wife Husband and Wife Older Brother and younger Brother Older Brother and younger Brother Friend and Friend Friend and Friend Children practiced “Filial Piety”, or respect for their parents and elders. Children practiced “Filial Piety”, or respect for their parents and elders.

Ideas on Government Created the form of government called, a Bureaucracy; a civil service or those who run the government. Created the form of government called, a Bureaucracy; a civil service or those who run the government. Confucianism wasn’t a religion but an ethical system. Confucianism wasn’t a religion but an ethical system. Spread beyond China and influenced Eastern Asia Spread beyond China and influenced Eastern Asia Confucius says “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” Confucius says “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”

Legalists Take Control Believed a highly efficient and powerful government was the key to restoring order. Believed a highly efficient and powerful government was the key to restoring order. Government should use the law to end civil disorder and restore harmony. Government should use the law to end civil disorder and restore harmony. Controlled ideas as well as actions. Controlled ideas as well as actions. Disobedient should be harshly punished. Disobedient should be harshly punished.

Qin Comes to Power 221 BC, Qin ruler assumes the name Shi Huangdi, means first emperor. 221 BC, Qin ruler assumes the name Shi Huangdi, means first emperor. Followed Legalists ideas. Followed Legalists ideas. Centralized China, created a highway network of over 4,000 miles. Centralized China, created a highway network of over 4,000 miles. Burned books, poor people forced to the Great Wall. Burned books, poor people forced to the Great Wall. Great Wall of China created; built to hold of outside invaders. Invaders would have to ride halfway to Tibet to get around it. Viewable from space. Great Wall of China created; built to hold of outside invaders. Invaders would have to ride halfway to Tibet to get around it. Viewable from space.