1. 1SSWH2 Ancient China ANCIENT CHINA: DEVELOPMENT OF AN ISOLATED CIVILIZATION

2. Applicable Georgia Standard SSWH2 The student will identify the major achievements of Chinese and Indian societies from 1100 BCE to 500 CE. c. Describe the development of Chinese civilization under the Zhou and Qin. d. Explain the impact of Confucianism on Chinese culture; include the examination system, the Mandate of Heaven, the status of peasants, the status of merchants, and the patriarchal family, and explain diffusion to Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea. e. Explain how the geography of the Indian Subcontinent contributed to the movement of people and ideas. SSWH2 Ancient China2

3. Geographic Factors Influencing Ancient China Large country in eastern Asia (“Far East”) Ancient China virtually isolated by geographic barriers – Gobi Desert – Tibetan Mountain Plateau (“Roof of the World”) – Pacific Ocean Except for India’s Topography – Mountains, plateaus, & hills comprise 4/5 of China’s land – Remaining 1/5 is river basins and coastal plains – China’s geography was never conducive to cultural or political contacts with outsiders SSWH2 Ancient China3

4. 4 China’s Yellow River

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6. China was a River Valley Civilization – Huang He (Yellow ) and Yangtze Rivers – Huang He floods heavily and drains China’s heavily populated fertile lands; called “China’s Sorrow” SSWH2 Ancient China6

7. Early Huang He River Valley Civilization (4,000-2,000 BCE) Like Sumeria, Egypt, & India, China evolved from river valley conditions: fertile soil, uncertain rainfall, floods People lived in small, self-governing villages Grew crops, herded animals, used bows and spears, and made crude pottery SSWH2 Ancient China7

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9. Zhou Dynasty ( 1,000-256 BCE) Longest-ruling dynasty Introduction of iron implements and weapons, written laws, metal coins China’s “Classical Age,” with memorable literature and philosophers Lao- tzu and Kung Fu-tzu (Confucious) It was believed that “Heaven,” through the Zhou rulers, kept order in the universe Thus, the king was chosen to rule because of his talent and virtue – He was then responsible for ruling the people with goodness and efficiency – This was called the “Mandate of Heaven” – Became the underlying principle of Chinese government – King was expected to rule according the proper “way” (Dao) – If he didn’t, he would lose his mandate from heaven and a new ruler/dynasty would take his place – This set in place the “right of revolution,” whereby the people could rightly seek to overthrow a ruler who was not ruling with goodness and efficiency SSWH2 Ancient China9

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11. The right to rule by the gods. 11SSWH2 Ancient India

12. SSWH2 Ancient China12 Huang He River Yellow River

13. Religion polytheistic Ancestor Veneration Yin and Yang Balance equals harmony Yin Earth darkness female Yang Heaven light male 13SSWH2 Ancient India

14. Writing System pictographs calligraphy oracle bones thousands of characters 14SSWH2 Ancient India

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16. SSWH2 Ancient China16 Qin (Chin) Dynasty (256-206 BCE) Short dynasty, but the one from which China gets its name First Chinese emperor was Oin Shihuangdi  To bar northern invaders, had the 1,400-mile Great Wall built  Expanded his empire southward and gained control of much of southern China  Shihuangdi sought to unify China three ways: o Politically – created a strong, centralized government; suppressed the nobles; appointed provincial governors answerable only to him; enforced a uniform legal code o Physically – built an extensive road system with bridges (and canals) o Culturally – simplified and standardized writing

17. SSWH2 Ancient China17 King Fu-tzu (Confucious) Philosopher who sought to improve society and achieve good government through an ethical code of conduct  Careful observance of ancient traditions  Reverence for learning  Cherishing of honesty  Devotion to parents, family and friends  Obedience to the rule, “What you do not want done to you, do not unto others.” Confucious advocated man’s active participation in society and recommended vigorous government action Believed that a ruler should govern as an influential, fatherly force Confucianism place little emphasis on an afterlife As Confucianism evolved, the original stress on tradition became associated with ancestor worship Confucianism influenced Chinese society for about 2,000 years; stabilized society, but tended to retard progress

18. Examination System Government officials under the Qin Dynasty were no longer chosen on the basis of favoritism An examination system was put into place that selected people for government service, based on ability and merit; this was a very early civil service system SSWH2 Ancient China18

19. Importance of Family in Chinese Society Basic element of Chinese society Emphasis was NOT placed on the individual Family included all relatives; tended to live with or near one another; sometimes constituted an entire village Oldest male was honored and obeyed as the family head Family assumed responsibility for the livelihood and good conduct of its members Marriage was not intended for individual happiness, but to perpetuate the family and its fortunes Intense family loyalty tended to hamper the development of a sense of Chinese nationalism SSWH2 Ancient China19

20. Social Structure King and his family were seen as the top of Chinese society They were aided by a number of aristocratic (noble) families who waged war on their behalf and served as government officials The great majority of people were peasants, who farmed the land of the nobles As early as the Shang Dynasty, Chinese society had slaves SSWH2 Ancient China20

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23. trade route with the West silk + = 23SSWH2 Ancient India The Great Silk Road

24. Huang He River Yangtze River Huang He River 24SSWH2 Ancient India