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China 2000 – 221 B.C.E

China 2000 – 221 B.C.E. The same or different to “River Civilizations?”. River Civilizations. Think back to last week. With your partner, discuss the following questions: What was the main purpose of writing? To what extent was literacy widespread?

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China 2000 – 221 B.C.E

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  1. China 2000 – 221 B.C.E The same or different to “River Civilizations?”

  2. River Civilizations • Think back to last week. With your partner, discuss the following questions: • What was the main purpose of writing? • To what extent was literacy widespread? • What characteristics defined belief systems? • What was the main purpose of social structures?

  3. Geography

  4. Shang Dynasty: 1750 – 1027 B.C.E Warrior Aristocracy Nomads:attacked periodically to gain booty,pride & POW Royal family governed surrounding agric. areas King & Court rule core area of state directly. Aristocrats = Generals, Ambassadors, supervise public projects Native rulers swear allegiance to Shang Nomads:despite Shangpropagandanot “inferior”

  5. Compare & Contrast • Is the Shang social structure so different to the River Valley Civilizations?

  6. Shang belief systems • King as intermediary • Ancestor worship (male) • Sacrifices • Divination • Oracle Bones

  7. Shang Administration • Decentralized • Pictograms – formal writing, does not change over time • Bronze and metallurgy • Trade with Mesopotamia • Chariots • Natural resources and inventions

  8. Compare and Contrast • In regard to state administration, do the Shang have more in common with the Egyptians or the Mesopotamians? Explain

  9. Zhou: 11th – 9th Century BCE

  10. Validation Myth • Mandate from Heaven • Continue Shang traditions in Admin/Trade • Religion changes focus • Rise of philosophy and mysticism

  11. Compare and Contrast • Compare and contrast the link between religion and government in Zhou China and Egypt. • The Zhou are characterized as separating Church and State. How is this statement true?

  12. Zhou – After 800 BCE Eastern Zhou “Spring and Autumn Period” – 771 to 481 BCE Eastern Zhou “Warring States Period” - 480 – 221 BCE

  13. Legalism • Increased competition lead to bureaucracy expanding - centralizing • State demanded obedience to fulfill needs of a more centralized government • Human nature is essentially wicked • People only behave if forced by law and punishment • Sacrifice your personal freedom for the state

  14. Confucianism • Kongzi – 551-479 BCE • “Ren” Government exists to serve people Father Ruler Sons Public Officials Wife Common People Daughters

  15. Daoism • Laozi - Warring state period • Accepts the world as they see it • Avoiding violence • Passivity; minimal action necessary for task • World always changing & lacks absolute meaning • Follow the Dao to right conduct

  16. Societal Roles Change • Impact of Legalism and Confucianism • Clan becomes 3 Tier family • Hierarchy codified • Role of Women • Yin and Yang • Balance, later translated to mean superiority

  17. Question • Of the following statements which do you agree with more? Explain. • Ancient Chinese belief systems created social systems in Shang and Zhou China • Ancient Chinese belief systems were a reaction to the social systems at play in Shang and Zhou China • How important was the role of environment in the development of early Chinese civilizations?

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