Section II: The Zhou, Qin, and Han Dynasties (Pages 80-84)

1. This section is about: The Rise and fall of the Zhou, Qin, and Han Dynasties and the major contributions of each. The social and cultural consequences of the rule of dynasties in China. Section II: The Zhou, Qin, and Han Dynasties(Pages 80-84)

2. Read the “sequence of events” on page 80 (we’ll do that in a while) And – what’s the picture of on page 81?

5. The Early Zhou When the Shang Dynasty was starting to decline, The Zhou started becoming more powerful. Eventually their leader (Wu Wang) attacked and overthrew a cruel Shang king. They said they had a reason for doing this ………..

6. They said they had earned the approval of a “higher power”… …who had given the king authority to rule. This approval was called “the Mandate of Heaven.” They claimed the Mandate of Heaven had passed from the Shang rulers to them because they were “kind and truthful.”

7. Chinese scholars studied the idea of the Mandate of Heaven. To explain the reason why dynasties rise and fall they came up with “the dynastic cycle.” 1 A kind and truthful dynasty gains control The new dynasty provides a good, successful government This wins the approval of the gods A new group challenges their authority and overthrows the old government The dynasty neglects it’s duties and loses control Violent events (earthquakes, and floods) signal heaven’s displeasure

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9. The Zhou Dynasty Organized by social class – and land ownership. This started when Wu Wang gave land to his noble lords, relatives, and generals. The lords appointed officers to run the daily affairs of his territory Peasants lived on and farmed the lands The lords governed in the name of the king, but were also expected to collect taxes (and give the king his fair share of those). If a war broke out, the nobles organized armies to defend the king. 3

10. The Zhou Period was a good time for China Farming was profitable. Better irrigation methods The Zhou developed blast furnaces – allowing them to make cast iron Iron is harder and stronger than bronze – giving them better farm tools and weapons. So that meant – more art and trade. The Zhou started using bronze coins – different shapes than we’re used to though

11. And if things are going good – you also have time to read At first, only the rich could read/write. But if merchants are going to trade, they also have to be able to read/write. Education became more important and tutors taught young men for “government service” This is a period where a lot of ancient Chinese classics were written. 4

12. Eventually the Zhou Dynasty lost it’s power People from outlying areas became more powerful. The wars among these different groups (all from China) started some civil wars. By 300 BC, only 7 Zhou territories were left. The were ready to be taken over completely by… People fighting others from the same country

13. The Qin Dynasty (founded by Zheng) Zheng kept more power to himself and called himself: “First Qin Emperor” He was determined to re-unite China. He also had a different philosophy: the role of government was to meet the needs of the nation – not the people. This is called authoritarian – when a ruler has complete and total power. 5 6

14. Zheng did some good and some bad things He didn’t favor the nobles with special privileges All citizens (not just peasants) paid taxes to support his projects and armies. He had strict laws (and enforced them – with strict punishments) If you disagreed with him, you could be tortured or killed. He burned all books (didn’t want people learning anything) (some books were hidden and saved) United China again. Introduced new coins and set up a system of weights and measures. Repaired roads and extended canals. Gave thousands jobs – forced them to build his tomb of underground chambers and terra cotta soldiers 5

15. The Zhou had built some walls in China (to keep out invaders) The Qin joined these together into a “great wall” But, in doing so, workers were forced to work under horrible conditions Many died It took centuries until it was complete and completely connected

16. The Terra Cotta Soldiers The significance of the army of Terra Cotta soldiers began 2,200 years ago with the conquest of all Chinese states which made a king (Qin) into the first emperor of the newly unified nation.  It took an army of 700,000 craftsman laboring for 37 years to produce the massive army.  The purpose of the army was to provide service to the emperor in the afterlife.  They were buried with the Emperor Qin at the time of his death. When they were found, time had taken it’s toll and the figures were broken pieces of terra cotta.  Each figure had to be meticulously repaired.  This repair process continues today.  Apparently, Qin ordered no two faces be alike, suggesting that each terra cotta warrior is an actual replica modeled after a solder from the real army.  The warriors vary in height according to their role, the tallest being the generals.  The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen and musicians.  All wooden parts of the chariots have decayed, but jewels, gold and silver decorations remained.  Even the horses’ bridles were made of silver and gold and were encrusted with jade and jewels. 

18. The Qin dynasty didn’t last long(first emperor ruled for 11 years) The next – Gaozu (The Han Dynasty) – was a nicer leader. China found peace, prosperity, and stability Built new roads and canals Opened up a new trade route (later called “the Silk Road”) Began to trade and export products such as silk – even traded as far away as Rome. 8 10 9

19. Since trade and government was becoming more complex… Han rulers created a civil service – where citizen employees managed the government and kept it’s records. To be a civil servant, you had to be educated, so schools were created for these candidates (had to pass a test to become a civil servant). Women were not allowed to take the tests.

20. The Han Dynasty: a time of great advancement in technology and the arts Silk factories became more efficient. Paper making improved (we still use their method today). The wheelbarrow and a better plow were invented. The arts flourished – including silk tapestries. Magnificent temples and palaces were built. The Han Dynasty ended up becoming about as big as the U.S. is today. It lasted until about 220 AD (invaded and conquered – another cycle) 11

21. Stop here for now Make sure page "C" is completed