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Classical China

Explore the rich history of Ancient China, from inventing steel, paper, and silk to the Mandate of Heaven belief. Learn about dynasties like Shang and Zhou, rise of philosophies like Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism, and the factors that make a civilization great. Dive into the fascinating world of the first 'modern' country and its strong central governments. Uncover the complexities of the dynastic cycle, which sees the rise and fall of ruling families based on the Mandate of Heaven principle. Discover the main ideas and key details of this historical period and contemplate what sets civilizations apart as truly great. Delve into the essential philosophical teachings that shaped Ancient China and ponder the values and virtues emphasized by Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism.

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Classical China

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  1. Classical China Foundations: 8000 BCE - 1200 CE

  2. Ancient China • First “modern” country in the world: • Invented steel, paper, money, silk, gunpowder, fireworks, books and many other things • Chinese history is split into dynasties • AKA Ruling Families – Emperors • Strong central governments

  3. Ancient China Dynastic Cycle Mandate of Heaven Belief that the gods transfer their power to a specific family in China that is meant to establish a dynasty and rule the region Emperors were Sons of Heaven • New family establishes dynasty (Gains Mandate of Heaven) • Period of prosperity • Dynasty grows weak • Internal and/or external rebellions • New dynasty emerges

  4. Timeline of Classical China • Shang: 1766 - 1122 BCE • Zhou: 1029 - 258 BCE • Era of Warring States: 402 BCE - 201 BCE • Qin: 221 - 202 BCE • Han: 202 BCE - 220 CE • Sui: 581 CE – 618 CE • Tang 618 CE - 907 • Song 960 CE – 1200 CE

  5. G.R.E.A.T.S • With your group discuss: What factors make a civilization “great”?

  6. Talking to the Text • Preview the text • Underline or highlight main ideas or key details • Use the margins for to show your thinking

  7. GREATS Chart • 30 Word Summary – Must include the main idea and any key details of the reading. • Share out – Share your summary. What did you find interesting? What stood out to you? What do you have questions about or find confusing? • 2 minutes for each topic

  8. Rise of Chinese Philosophies • Confucianism • Daoism/Taoism • Legalism

  9. Confucianism • Confucius (K’ung Fu Tzu) • Period of Warring States • Scholar - history, music, ethics • Main Writing: The Analects • Promoted by followers - Mencius

  10. Main Ideas • Restore social order, harmony and good government to China • Ethical systems based on relationships and personal virtue • Emphasized family • Filial piety - respect for parents and elders is necessary for order • Early Zhou Dynasty was seen as perfect society • Inferiors devoted to service • Superiors looked after dependents

  11. Confucianism • Five Basic Relationships in Society • Ruler/Subject • Father/Son • Husband/Wife • Older Brother/Younger Brother • Friend/Friend • Chinese gentleman - education and moral standards; birth status not important • Bureaucracy - those who help run government • Courteous, precise, generous, just/fair

  12. Daoism/Taoism • Founded by Lao Tze (604-531 BCE) • Main Writing: Tao-te-Ching (The Way of Virtue) • Human actions are not important • Most important part of society is natural order of things • The Tao (The Way) - guides all things

  13. Daoism/Taoism • Search for knowledge and understanding of nature • To understand nothing, it is best to do nothing, to observe nature • Nature is not jealous or power hungry • Does not argue about right or wrong, good or bad

  14. Legalism • Practical, political reaction to Confucianism • Han Feizi - 3rd century BCE • Powerful and efficient government is key to restoring order • Laws will end civil war and restore harmony • Rewards to good subjects and punish disobedient • Rulers must control ideas and actions of people • Favored by Shi Huangdi during Qin dyansty

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