Period 1: Technological and Environmental Transformations to 600 B.C.E.

1. Period 1: Technological and Environmental Transformations to 600 B.C.E. Early Society in East Asia

2. Early China • Agriculture developed in China around 700 B.C.E. along the Chang Jiang and Huang He rivers. • Rice in the south • Millet in the north

3. Early China • By 3000 B.C.E. people in both river valleys were ling together in organized communities which managed their own affairs but communicated, traded, and interacted with other towns and villages along the river’s banks.

4. Early China • By the end of the third millennium, the larger regional states of Xia, Shang, and Zhou emerged to bring much of China under their authority.

5. Early Agricultural Society and the Xia Dynasty • Huang He river made agricultural possible in China. • Xia Dynasty: • Believed to first emerge in 2000 B.C.E. • Ancient legends credit Yu as the founder of Xia • Established precedent for hereditary monarchial rule in China. • Effective flood control projects • Development of metallurgy

6. The Shang Dynasty • Followed Xia Dynasty • Utilized bronze metallurgy, horses, chariots, and other wheeled vehicles to build large quantities of weapons and strong armies, which they then used to take over much of northeastern China. • Also used bronze metallurgy to build agricultural surpluses.

7. The Zhou Dynasty • Developed along the Wei River in northwestern China • Broke alliance with Shang and overcame them. • Ruled China from 1122 BCE to 256 BCE

8. The Zhou Dynasty • Mandate of Heaven – Idea that the emperor’s rule reflected his role as “son of heaven” and as long as he governed conscientiously, the cosmos would enjoy harmonious stability. • If he failed, the heavens would withdraw their mandate and transfer it to a more deserving individual.

9. The Zhou Dynasty • Ruled through a decentralized government. • Period of Warring States – Subordinates of the Zhou Dynasty started warring with one another. • Eventually fell, and Qin dynasty emerged.

10. Society and Family in Ancient China • Introduction of agriculture, establishment of sedentary communities, and ensuing accumulation of wealth within families created the foundations for social distinctions and patriarchy in China.

11. The Social Order • Royal families and allied noble families • Administrative and military leadership positions • Free craftsmen and artisans • Merchants and traders • Peasants and slaves

12. Family and Patriarchy • Patriarchal society with men at the head of the family possessing tremendous power.

13. Cultural Development • Begun during the Xia era but further developed during the Shang dynasty, writing served as the foundation for Chinese cultural traditions.

14. Ancient China and the Larger World • Treacherous geography: • Hindered, but did not stop, interaction with China. • Neighbors to the north, west, and south all developed intense relationships with Chinese agricultural society • Influence eventually spread to Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand.