1. The Mandate of Heaven The right to rule is granted by Heaven.
It is based on the virtue of the ruler i.e. while they rule justly, fairly, & wisely.
The right to rule is not limited to one dynasty.
Justifies rebellion as long as the rebellion is successful.

2. The Old Dynasty loses the Mandate of Heaven
Dynastic Cycle
The New Dynasty
Claims the Mandate of Heaven
Restores peace & order
Appoints loyal officials
Redistributes land to peasants
Builds & repairs infrastructure
Problems
Floods, famine, earthquakes
Invasions, peasant revolts
Armed bandits
The Aging Dynasty
Neglects duties
Ignores corruption
Imposes heavy taxes to pay for luxuries
Allows infrastructure to decay
The Old Dynasty loses the Mandate of Heaven

3. Ruling Families Shang Dynasty 1766-1046 BC Zhou Dynasty 1122-256 BC
Qin Dynasty BC
Han Dynasty 206 BC-220 AD
Tang Dynasty AD
Song Dynasty AD
Yuan Dynasty AD
Ming Dynasty AD

4. The first ruling family in China
The Shang Dynasty BC
The first ruling family in China

5. Religion Believed nature was controlled by gods & spirits.
King & priests made daily offerings to the gods.
King could call on his ancestors to help influence the gods.
This leads to the practice of ancestor worship.

6. Achievements Writing system- 1 of 4 independently developed
pictogram system with 60,000 characters
Bronze- weapons, armor, & ceremonial vessels
Yoke, harness, spoked wheel, horse drawn chariots
Decimal system, first money systems

7. Downfall The last Shang kings known as cruel & corrupt tyrants
Built luxurious palaces & led a life of decadence
The Zhou overthrew the last Shang king
Mandate of Heaven created to explain the takeover