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Section 4

River Dynasties in ChinaEarly rulers introduce ideas about government and society that shape Chinese civilization.

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Section 4


The Geography of China

River Dynasties in China

Barriers Isolate China• Ocean, mountains, deserts isolate China from other

areas

River Systems• Huang He (“Yellow River”) in north, Yangtze in south• Huang He leaves loess—fertile silt—when it floods

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Environmental Challenges• Huang He floods can devour whole villages• Geographic isolation means lack of trade; must be

self-sufficient

China’s Heartland• North China Plain, area between two rivers, center

of civilization

Civilization Emerges in Shang Times

The First Dynasties• Around 2000 B.C. cities arise; Yu, first ruler of Xia

Dynasty• Yu’s flood control systems tames Huang He

(“Yellow River”)• Shang Dynasty, 1700 to 1027 B.C., first to leave

written records

Early Cities• Built cities of wood, such as Anyang—one of its capital

cities• Upper class lives inside city; poorer people live outside• Shang cities have massive walls for military defense

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Section 4


The Development of Chinese CultureChinese Civilization• Sees China as center of world; views others as

uncivilized• The group is more important than the individual

Family• Family is central social institution; respect for parents a

virtue• Elder males control family property• Women expected to obey all men, even sons

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Social Classes• King and warrior-nobles lead society and own the land

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Religious Beliefs• Spirits of dead ancestors can affect family fortunes• Priests scratch questions on animal bones and

tortoise shells• Oracle bones used to consult gods; supreme god,

Shang Di

continued The Development of Chinese Culture

Development of Writing• Writing system uses symbols to represent syllables;

not ideas• People of different languages can use same system• Huge number of characters make system difficult to

learn

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Zhou and the Dynastic CycleThe Zhou Take Control• In 1027 B.C., Zhou Dynasty takes control of China

Mandate of Heaven• Mandate of Heaven—the belief that a just ruler had

divine approval• Developed as justification for change in power to Zhou• Dynastic cycle—pattern of the rise and decline of

dynasties

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Continued . . .

Control Through Feudalism• Feudalism—system where kings give land to nobles in

exchange for services• Over time, nobles grow in power and begin to fight each

other

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Improvements in Technology and Trade• Zhou Dynasty builds roads, canals to improve

transportation• Uses coins to make trade easier• Produces cast iron tools and weapons; food

production increases

continued Zhou and the Dynastic Cycle

A Period of Warring States• Peaceful, stable Zhou empire rules from around 1027

to 256 B.C.• In 771 B.C., nomads sack the Zhou capital, murder

monarch• Luoyang becomes new capital; but internal wars

destroy traditions

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Section 4

The Unification of ChinaThe social disorder of the warring states contributes to the development of three Chinese ethical systems.

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Confucius and the Social Order

The Unification of China

Zhou Dynasty• Lasted 1027 to 256 B.C.; ancient values decline near

end of dynasty

Confucius Urges Harmony• End of Zhou Dynasty is time of disorder• Scholar Confucius wants to restore order,

harmony, good government• Stresses developing good relationships, including

family• Promotes filial piety—respect for parents and

ancestors• Hopes to reform society by promoting good

government

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Continued . . .

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Confucian Ideas About Government• Thinks education can transform people• Teachings become foundation for bureaucracy,

a trained civil service• Confucianism is an ethical system of right and

wrong, not a religion• Chinese government and social order is based on

Confucianism

continued Confucius and the Social Order

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Other Ethical SystemsDaoists Seek Harmony• Laozi teaches that people should follow the

natural order of life• Believes that universal force called Dao guides

all things• Daoism philosophy is to understand nature and

be free of desire• Daoists influence sciences, alchemy, astronomy,

medicine

Legalists Urge Harsh Rule• Legalism emphasizes the use of law to restore

order; stifles criticism• Teaches that obedience should be rewarded,

disobedience punished

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Continued . . .

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I Ching and Yin and Yang• I Ching (The Book of Changes) offers good advice,

common sense• Concept of yin and yang—two powers represent

rhythm of universe• Yin: cold, dark, soft, mysterious; yang: warm, bright,

hard, clear• I Ching and yin and yang explain how people fit into

the world

continued Other Ethical Systems

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The Qin Dynasty Unifies ChinaThe Qin Dynasty• Qin Dynasty replaces Zhou Dynasty in third

century B.C.

A New Emperor Takes Control• Emperor Shi Huangdi unifies China, ends fighting,

conquers new lands• Creates 36 administrative districts controlled by Qin

officials• With legalist prime minister, murders Confucian scholars, burns books• Establishes an autocracy, a government with

unlimited power

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Continued . . .

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A Program of Centralization• Shi Huangdi builds highways, irrigation projects;

increases trade• Sets standards for writing, law, currency, weights and

measures• Harsh rule includes high taxes and repressive

government

continued The Qin Dynasty Unifies China

Great Wall of China• Emperor forces peasants to build Great Wall to keep

out invaders

The Fall of the Qin • Shi Huangdi’s son loses the throne to rebel leader;

Han Dynasty begins

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