Civilization of Ancient China

Geography Settlement began along the Huang He or Yellow River River flooded leaving behind rich soil China’s natural barriers: deserts and mountains

Confucianism Founder: Confucius Teacher and great thinker Wanted to bring peace to society Put needs of family and community first Each person has a duty Education is important Respect elders Be polite

Daoism(Taoism) Founder: Lao- Tsu Lived around same time as Confucius Philosophy that promotes a peaceful society People should give up worldly desires Turn to nature and the Dao --the force that guides all things Seek inner peace and live in harmony with nature

Shi Huangdi and The Qin Dynasty First emperor of China Unified China Based his rule on the ideas of Legalism: strict laws and punishments Strong central government Created one currency Constructed canals and roads First emperor to construct the Great Wall of China

The Politics of the Han Dynasty Use of civil service examinations-- talented people fill government jobs Use of bureaucracy was needed to rule China since its population was large Country was secure under armies of the Han dynasty

The Silk Road A large network of land and sea trade routes stretching 4,000 miles from western China to southwest Asia Traveled by armies, merchants, and missionaries China came into contact with other civilizations Goods and ideas were exchanged

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