1. Qin and Han Dynasties

2. Mandate of Heaven
Mandate of Heaven – belief that rulers were in charge because the gods had given them the right to rule
It was not permanent!
What could cause someone to lose Mandate of Heaven?

3. Dynastic Cycle Rulers in charge because gods favored them
If rulers abused power or ignored their people, they lose Mandate of Heaven
New rulers would overthrow them

4. Period of Warring States
From 475 to 221 BC, no stable government in China
Warlords fought each other for control
Very bloody and chaotic
What could bring an end to this violence?
475 – 221 BC

5. Qin Dynasty
Period of Warring States ends because of strong leader – Shi Huangdi
Shi Huangdi conquered all of the warring states, made into one united empire
Forced nobles to live in capital so he could keep an eye on them
221 – 206 BC

6. Legalism – Shi Huangdi Philosophy of Qin Dynasty was Legalism
Legalism – incredibly strict philosophy that keeps order through strict laws and stricter punishments
“The nature of man is evil. His goodness is acquired.”
“The ruler alone possesses power, wielding it like lightning or thunder.”
Goal of Legalism was to “strengthen the tree and weaken the branches” – what does this mean?

7. Accomplishments
Great Wall of China – Shi Huangdi ordered a massive wall built to keep out invaders
Most of the workers on it were being punished for crimes. Working on the Great Wall was basically a death sentence
Terra Cotta Army – to protect his tomb, Shi Huangdi ordered 8,000 statue soldiers to be built. He believed he was taking them into the afterlife with him.

8. Han Dynasty
People angry with harsh treatment of Qin Dynasty, revolted in 206 BC
Han Dynasty takes over
Ruled their empire using Confucianism
Civil service exams – tests people had to take before they were given government jobs
Han Dynasty built roads and canals to unite their empire
Expanded their territory – known as expansionism
Lasts for 400 years – collapses for similar reasons as the Roman Empire
Heavy taxes
Over-expansion – couldn’t maintain or protect lands
Lousy rulers
206 BC – 220 AD

9. Confucianism Main philosophy of Han Dynasty
Confucianism founded by Confucius
A teacher who believed that when people understood their place in society, harmony was achieved
Filial Piety – respect for elders (#1 priority of Confucianism)
Encouraged education, especially for rulers

10. Daoism/Taoism Another Chinese philosophy
Believed people were naturally good, and rules and order are what mess them up
Government shouldn’t try to control people, but let them do their own thing