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Zhou (Chou) Dynasty 1076-221 BC (pronounced Jo). POLITICS Regional feudal states similar to Shang Ruled as coordinators rather than as a central govt. military force determined strength of rulers Conflict led to decline into the "Period of the Warring States" (403-221 B.C.).
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Zhou (Chou) Dynasty1076-221 BC (pronounced Jo) POLITICS • Regional feudal states similar to Shang • Ruled as coordinators rather than as a central govt. • military force determined strength of rulers • Conflict led to decline into the "Period of the Warring States" (403-221 B.C.). • Introduced Mandate of Heaven Slideshow from www.advancedplacementhistory.com
Mandate of Heaven • Principles: • right to rule is granted by Heaven. • only one Heaven so only one ruler in China. • right to rule depends on the virtue of the ruler. • Advantages: • It gives the ruler supreme power politically and religiously • power kept in check by virtue. • The Mandate of Heaven justifies rebellion as long as the rebellion is successful.
A new dynasty comes to power. The emperorreforms the govt.& makes it moreefficient. Start here Emperor isdefeated !! Lives of common people improved;taxes reduced;farming encouraged. TheDynasticCycle Rebel bands findstrong leader whounites them.Attack the emperor. Problems begin(extensive wars,invasions, etc.) Poor loserespect for govt.They join rebels& attack landlords. Taxes increase;men forced towork for army.Farming neglected. Droughts,floods,famines occur. Govt. increasesspending; corruption.
Economy • Iron age • stronger and cheaper than bronze • weapons strengthened Zhou army • catapult • creation of China’s first cavalry • 90% of peasants lived on farms in family compounds • new iron tools increased harvest, food surpluses • Silk was their most important product • Roads, canals allowed better transportation, communication • Introduced coins, use of chopsticks • Population grew under Zhou • Cities grew in size
Philosophy (Religion) • At the end of the Zhou (403 BC-221BC), China disintegrated into “the Warring States period” as Zhou leaders lost control and states fought each other • 100 Schools Movement tried to bring stability to China • Confucianism • Taoism and • Legalism • Are the resulting philosophies of life and govt
Basic beliefs • Dualism – everything relates to everything else and works best when in balance (Yin/Yang) • Harmony, cooperation, submission to the larger group while allowing for individuality • Heaven controls life on Earth and life passes from parent to child. Because each child receives life from its parents it makes sense that the child should “worship” his or her parents
Society • Emperor • Regional rulers • Farmers 4. Slaves BUT, Confucian ideals changed this near the end of the Zhou
Intellectual Developments • Re-write from other locations in notes
Art • Bronze work • Tombs decorated for wealthy Hawk-shaped gold hat ornament(8th - 3rd century B.C.)