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AP World History POD #3 River Civilizations in Asia

Discover the intricate relationship between religious beliefs and political power in ancient China through the concept of the Mandate of Heaven. Explore how the Mandate was interpreted and its impact on the rise and fall of dynasties. Compare this with the consolidation of power by European kings during the Age of Absolutism.

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AP World History POD #3 River Civilizations in Asia

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  1. AP World HistoryPOD #3River Civilizations in Asia Mandate of Heaven

  2. Class Discussion Questions Bulliet et. al – pp. 56, 58-59, 77, 175, 301

  3. How were religious beliefs and political beliefs interconnected in China? • Wu Zhou…”Claiming that the last Shang ruler was depraved and tyrannical, neglecting to honor gods and ancestors and killing and abusing his subjects, he invoked the highest Zhou deity, Tian (“Heaven”) , who was more compassionate than the aloof Di of the Shang. Wu declared that Heaven granted authority and legitimacy to a ruler as long as he looked out for the welfare of his subjects; the monarch, accordingly, was called the “Son of Heaven”. (Bulliet p. 58)

  4. What was the Dynastic Cycle?

  5. Positive Proof of the Mandate: Prosperity Stability Victory Ample Food Supply Negative Proof of the Mandate Flood Famine Invasion Disasters How was the Mandate of Heaven interpreted in China?

  6. What happened when there were signs of a failing mandate • Tian (“Heaven”) could withdraw the mandate and bestow it upon another more worthy ruler and family • Often times civil war would erupt as powerful rival families fought with the dynasty and others eager to assume power • For over 3000 years this was offered as justification for the rise and fall of dynasties in China

  7. How does this compare to the rise and fall of kings in the European political realm? • During the Age of Absolutism (circa 1500-1800 C.E.) the kings of Europe went to great lengths to consolidate their power within their kingdoms and diminish the role and influence of the nobility and the clergy • Policies were initiated to give the kings absolute control over the “Power of the Purse” (money) and the “Power of the Sword” (make and enforce law and order) • As a result of the strong religious nature of these kingdoms (Christianity – both Catholic and Protestant) the kings claimed to possess the Divine Right of Kings or the power to rule bestowed upon them by God.

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