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Classical Civilization: China

2. Classical Civilization: China. Establishment of Political Order. New order from 700s B.C.E. New political structures Zhou, Qin, then Han rule Establishment of enduring institutions. China from the Later Zhou to the Han Era. Establishment of Political Order. Han Dynasty

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Classical Civilization: China

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  1. 2 Classical Civilization:China

  2. Establishment of Political Order New order from 700s B.C.E. • New political structures • Zhou, Qin, then Han rule • Establishment of enduring institutions

  3. China from the Later Zhou to the Han Era

  4. Establishment of Political Order Han Dynasty • Overthrew Qin in 207 B.C.E. • Ruled for four centuries • Long-lasting, stable bureaucracy • Rise of Chinese sense of uniqueness

  5. Establishment of Political Order Cultural traditions • Broad isolation • Enduring philosophy of yin and yang

  6. Patterns in Classical China Pattern established • New dynasty • Begins rule strong, economic strength • Dynasty weakens, revenues decline • Internal rebellions and invasions • Succeeding dynasty emerges

  7. Patterns in Classical China Zhou Dynasty (1029-258 B.C.E.) • Came from the north, replacing Shang • System of indirect rule • Territorial expansion • Some centralization • Linguistic unity • Religious practices reshaped

  8. Patterns in Classical China Qin Rule • Originally nomadic, marginal • Shi Huangdi • Zhou rival • Rules from about 200B.C.E. • Great Wall • Great centralization • Death of Shi Huangdi in 210 B.C.E. • Leads to a period of conflict

  9. Patterns in Classical China The Han Dynasty • Territorial expansion • Contact with India • Trade with Roman Empire • Wu Ti (140-87 B.C.E.) • Establishes peaceful rule • Han rule strong until about 220 C.E.

  10. Patterns in Classical China Government allows rule of large territory • Reliance on family structure • Ancestor worship • Local rule weakened • Single law code over all • Rule from center out

  11. Patterns in Classical China Strong Bureaucracy • Power of warrior-landlords lessened • Examination system put in place by Wu Ti • Highly-integrated system • Trained bureaucrats • Some limits on imperial power

  12. Ancient Capitals

  13. Patterns in Classical China Roles of the state • Military role not preeminent • Economic role • Weights, measures, currency • Public works

  14. Religion and Culture Confucianism • Concern with stability, peace • An ethical system • Role of moral elite • Education central • The Confucian Gentleman • Moral rectitude • Public and private spheres equally important • Kings should be reminded of duties

  15. Religion and Culture Legalism • Favored a strong state, ruling through force • Belief that human nature was basically evil • In opposition to Confucianism in many ways • Yet the two often combined in exercise of power

  16. Religion and Culture Popular religion • Confucianism has limited appeal • Polytheism persists • Conciliation of spirits • Family ceremonies

  17. Religion and Culture Laozi (400s B.C.E.) • Philosopher • Retreat from society • State cannot solve all problems • Nature • Dao, cosmic force • Meditation

  18. Religion and Culture Literature, Art, and Science • Five Classics • Combination of genres • Basis for government examinations • Decorative arts • Calligraphy • Science concentrated on the practical

  19. Economy and Society Confucian Social System • Landowning aristocracy and bureaucrats • Laboring masses: peasants and artisans • The “mean people” • Unskilled laborers • Performing artists • Slaves

  20. Economy and Society Trade and technology • Trade increases under the Zhou and Han • Little respect for trade and merchants • Technology • Plows, new collar for draft animals • Iron tools • Water-powered mills • Ppaer

  21. Economy and Society Gender and Family Life • Great emphasis on authority • Parental authority especially upheld • Women subordinate to men

  22. How Chinese Society Fits Together Isolation • View of surrounding peoples as inferior • No missionary desires • Buddhism an exception

  23. How Chinese Society Fits Together Social and Cultural Links to Politics • Society viewed as a whole • Government and society seen as one • Agriculture tied to government through revenue

  24. How Chinese Society Fits Together Complexities in Classical China • Confucianism versus Daoism • Many points of overlap • But some antagonism • Balance often upset • Overpopulation might lead to uprisings

  25. Global Connections: Classical China and the World Qin and Han China • Agriculture permits large population • Development of technologies • Influence through the Silk Road • China connected with other areas • Trade mostly by nomadic merchants • The “Middle Kingdom” • Influence on surrounding peoples

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