1. Cultural Background: China
Intro to East Asia
Cultural Background: China

2. Chinese Dynasties
China was one of the four earliest civilizations of the world
Civilization began with the Shang dynasty in 1600 BCE
After about 600 years of rule, the Zhou (Chou) dynasty took over
The new Zhou dynasty established a contract with the people called the “Mandate of Heaven”
This contract served the Chinese through the modern times (last dynasty fell in 1912 C.E.)

3. Mandate of Heaven
Zhou leaders proclaimed their right to rule the people was granted by the gods in heaven
Here are the 4 principles:
The right to rule is from heaven
Since there is only one heaven, there can be only one ruler
The right to rule is based on the virtue of the ruler
The right to rule can be passed onto new leaders

4. What did it do for China?
The Mandate of Heaven kept political stability in China by:
Gave authority to emperors
Justified rebellions (like that of the Zhou) if the previous dynasty failed
However, if a rebellion failed the emperor was seen as still having the Mandate of Heaven

5. The Dynastic Cycle

6. Confucianism in China
One of the most influential people in all of China was Confucius
He proposed a way of behaving – the right way!
5 relationships of Confucianism:
Ruler and subject
Husband and wife
Parent and child
Elder and younger brother
Friend and friend

7. Quick video about Confucianism
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8. Assignment…
Now that you have some background info on Chinese culture, it’s time to move forward closer to modern times…
Read pp “Europeans in China” and explain how the policy of British mercantilism didn’t exist in China
Read pp and summarize each of these events:
The Opium War
The Tai Ping Rebellion
Imperialism in China (with spheres of influence and the Open Door Policy)
The Boxer Rebellion