Ancient China Notes

World History

4 Philosophies of Ancient China

Buddhism (Imported from India) Confucianism: (official state belief

system) Daoism: (stressed harmony with

nature) Legalism: (strict laws, severe

punishments, & a strong central government)

Dynastic ChinaZhou (Joe) Dynasty (1027-256 BCE)

Rulers claimed the Mandate of Heaven (permission to rule was granted by the divine power)

Mandate of Heaven was later used to explain the Dynastic Cycle: (dynasty remained in power as long as it was providing good government)

Developed manufacture and trade of silk Developed bookmaking

Qin (Tsin) Dynasty (221 – 206 BCE)

Unified China Qin Shi Huangdi was known as the “First

Emperor.” Developed cavalry standardized the language, writing, currency,

& measurements Great Wall of China built

Confucianism Confucius was a scholar, taught history,

studied music, and had an upstanding moral character.

Thought order could be attained through development of 5 relationships: 1 ruler and subject, 2 father and son, 3 husband and wife, 4 older brother and younger brother, and 5 friend and friend.

People should practice filial piety (respect for their parents.

Confucius led the way for the creation of a bureaucracy – a trained civil service that rain the government.

Confucianism is NOT a religion it is an ethical system.

Environmental Challenges

The Huang He (Yellow River) and the Yangtze River flood frequently . The Huang He’s floods were especially disastrous which led to it being called “China’s sorrow.” (Three Gorges Dam)

Natural boundaries did not protect them from repeated invasions.

Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE)

Considered China’s Golden Age economic development: the Silk Road

~ main export: silk~ imports: glass, cloth, food, architecture, gold, camels, Buddhism

Confucianism was the state belief system Civil Service Exam: the Merit System accurate clocks, ship rudders, & PAPER

Buddhism Developed out of the personal religious

questioning of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha means “the enlightened one” The “Four Noble Truths”

Life is filled with suffering Suffering is caused by desire for the pleasures of

this world To end suffering, one must end desire The was to overcome desire is to follow the Eight-

fold Path

By following the Eight-fold Path one could reach Nirvana

Nirvana is the release from selfishness and suffering.

Tang Dynasty: strict social structure dev. of gunpowder, block

printing Song Dynasty: movable type printing 200 yrs. before

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