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?– What characteristics defined belief systems?– What was the main purpose of social

structures?

Geography

Shang Dynasty: 1750 – 1027 B.C.E Warrior Aristocracy

King & Court rule core areaof state directly.

Aristocrats = Generals,Ambassadors,

supervise public projects

Royal family governed surrounding agric. areas

Native rulers swear allegiance to Shang

Nomads:attackedperiodically

to gain booty,pride & POW

Nomads:despite Shangpropagandanot “inferior”

Compare & Contrast

• Is the Shang social structure so different to the River Valley Civilizations?

Shang belief systems

• King as intermediary

• Ancestor worship (male)

• Sacrifices

• Divination

• Oracle Bones

Shang Administration

• Decentralized

• Pictograms – formal writing, does not change over time

• Bronze and metallurgy

• Trade with Mesopotamia

• Chariots

• Natural resources and inventions

Compare and Contrast

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

Zhou: 11th – 9th Century BCE

Validation Myth

• Mandate from Heaven

• Continue Shang traditions in Admin/Trade

• Religion changes focus

• Rise of philosophy and mysticism

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?

Zhou – After 800 BCE

Eastern Zhou

“Spring and Autumn Period”

– 771 to 481 BCE

Eastern Zhou

“Warring States Period”

- 480 – 221 BCE

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

Confucianism

• Kongzi – 551-479 BCE

• “Ren” Government exists to serve people Father Ruler

Sons Public Officials

Wife Common People

Daughters

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

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

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?