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Dynastic China

Dynastic China. Zhou, Qin, and Han. Introduction. Isolated Could not learn from other cultures Rare invasions Distinctive identity Intellectual theory Harmony of nature – yin and yang Seek Dao – the Way Avoid access Appreciate balance of opposites. Introduction continued.

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Dynastic China

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  1. Dynastic China Zhou, Qin, and Han

  2. Introduction • Isolated • Could not learn from other cultures • Rare invasions • Distinctive identity • Intellectual theory • Harmony of nature – yin and yang • Seek Dao – the Way • Avoid access • Appreciate balance of opposites

  3. Introduction continued • Thesis – China emerged with an unusually well-integrated system in which government, philosophy, economic incentives, the family, and the individual were intended to blend into a harmonious whole

  4. Patterns in Classical China • Pattern of rule • Dynasty (family of kings) – created strong political institutions and economy • Dynasty weakened; subsequently taxes declined and societal divisions grew stronger • Invasion or internal rebellion • New dynasty emerged

  5. Patterns in Classical China continued • Mandate of Heaven – justification for Chinese imperial rule • The right to rule is granted by Heaven, thus granting the ruler prestige, supreme power and religious importance. • Son of Heaven • The right to rule is based on the virtue of the ruler. If the ruler is not virtuous they will lose power. • The Mandate of Heaven justifies rebellion as long as the rebellion is successful – if successful, the new ruler was granted the Mandate of Heaven.

  6. Zhou Dyansty (1029-258 BCE) • No powerful central government • Relied on an alliance system with regional princes and nobles (Feudalism) • Princes received land in return for troops and taxes • Over time this alliance grew weaker and princes disregarded the central government

  7. Zhou Dynasty continued • Contributions to the development of China • Extended territory to “Middle Kingdom” (land between the Huang he and Yangtze • Established the “Mandate of Heaven” • Greater cultural unity • Banned human sacrifice (encouraged restraint) • Standardized language – Mandarin

  8. Qin Dynasty (221-207 BCE) • Qin Shi Huangdi – “First Emperor” • Centralized his authority by ending the feudal system • Nobles ordered to attend court (Qin then took control of their lands) • Destroyed fortifications that were not necessary • Officials selected from non-aristocratic groups

  9. Qin Dynasty continued • Supported Legalism • Chinese political philosophy that emphasized the need for order above all other human concerns • People needed a strong government and code of law • Clear rules and harsh punishments

  10. Qin Dynasty continued • Expanded the empire south and pushed toward the Korean Peninsula • Relied heavily on conscripted labor to build massive palaces and the emperor’s mausoleum • Built Great Wall to guard against invasion from the north • Executed those that who criticized him • Burned books of philosophy, ethics, history, literature

  11. Qin Dynasty continued • Innovations • National census – for purpose of taxation and labor • Standardized coins, weights, measures • Uniform written language • Irrigation Projects • Built an extensive system of roads to facilitate communication and troop movement • Promoted manufacturing – silk

  12. Han Dynasty (202 BCE – 220 CE) • Maintained the centralization of power established by the Qin, but reduced the repression • Expanded territory (Korea, Indochina) • Established a period of peace • Supported Confucianism • Built shrines • Stressed Confucian values in government

  13. Han Dynasty continued • Invasions – Xiongnu • Xiongnu were a nomadic group from central Asia that often invaded Chinese villages and trade centers • Han attempted to appease Xiongnu by offering them tribute and arranged marriages • Emperor Wudi put an end to this struggle by invading central Asia with armies as large as 100,000 soldiers • Crossbow • Defeated the Xiongnu and stretched Chinese territory into Central Asia

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