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River Dynasties in China. Geography. East – Yellow Sea, Pacific Mountain Ranges, Deserts River Systems Huang He (Yellow) Chang Jiang (Yangtze). Environmental Challenges. Floods Isolated Limited natural boundaries. Civilization. Peking Man – 500,000 years old First Dynasties
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Geography • East – Yellow Sea, Pacific • Mountain Ranges, Deserts • River Systems • Huang He (Yellow) • Chang Jiang (Yangtze)
Environmental Challenges • Floods • Isolated • Limited natural boundaries
Civilization • Peking Man – 500,000 years old • First Dynasties • Xia – 2000 BC • Shang – 1700-1027 • 6 diff capitals • Walls • Chariots
Culture Develops • Emphasis on groups • Family • Center of Focus • Respect Parents • Eldest Male = decisions • Women = inferior • Arranged marriages (13 and up)
Social Classes • Nobles • Warrior-nobles, kings • Peasants
Religion • Spirits Ancestors • No mighty gods • Oracle Bones animal bones Communication with gods
Writing • Each Character = 1 syllable • No links b/w spoken and written • All of China --> Same written language • Many characters to memorize • Limited Education
Technology and Trade • Roads, canals • Coined $ • Furnaces - Cast iron - weapons and farming equipment
Zhou Dynasty (1027-256 BC) • Overthrew Shang • Adopted much of Shang • Mandate of Heaven • Divine Approved - Approval from gods • Central to Chinese Gov’t
Dynastic Cycle • New Dynasty has Mandate - Restores Peace • Gets stronger - Maintains peace • Declines - Corrupt, taxes, lose power • Disasters - Floods, revolts, invasions • Lose Mandate - Rebellion • Overthrown - New Dynasty emerges
Feudalism • Nobles, lords, allowed to use land that belongs to king • Owe loyalty and military to king • Gained more power
Warring States Period • Zhou Weakened