Confucianism

“He who learns but does not think is lost; he who thinks

but does not learn is in danger.”

Confucianism

•Concerned primarily with restoring social stability and order.

•a system of social and ethical philosophy

•It is NOT a religion!!!!!

Ancient China:Zhou Dynasty

Objective: List the accomplishments of the Zhou

Dynasty

Why: To know that Zhou gave distinctive political and cultural characteristics that were to be identified with China

Vocabulary Words

• Bronze-- A valuable natural resource in China that can be used for weapons, tools, or other goods

• Dynasty-- A family or group whose power gets passed from generation to generation

• Aristocrats-- A noble whose wealth comes from the land they own

• Warlords-- A noble who is in charge of part of the military

• Monarchy--A type of government where a king or queen hold the power

• Bureaucracy--A type of government where appointed officials are responsible for different areas of government

• Mandate of Heaven-- A formal order that states that the king is the connection between the heavens and earth

• Dao--The proper way to rule

• Confucianism--A philosophy that emphasizes proper behavior and respect

• Civil servant-- A government worker

• Daoism-- A philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with nature

• Legalism-- A philosophy that emphasizes strict obedience to laws

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Essential Question:

• What were the beliefs and achievements of the Zhou dynasty?

• Why do you think the Zhou Dynasty promoted and supported Confucianism? Give a detailed answer.

•The Shang did not treat the people of China well.

•When the Zhou overthrew the Shang, they told the people that the gods had became angry.

•Now, the gods had chosen the Zhou to rule.

• The Zhou people overthrew the Shang dynasty in the 1100 BC.

• Zhou leaders believed that their rulers were mandated by heaven, and that heaven would find another leader when necessary.

• A new political order was established: Feudalism

✓ the king granted plots of land to lords, who in turn provided soldiers and paid taxes to the king. Poor farmers were granted land as well, and remained under the rule of the lords.

• The lords helped Zhou rulers keep control of the dynasty.

The Zhou Political System

The Chinese later expanded the Mandate from Heaven to explain dynastic cycle:1. If you are overthrown then that means god/gods are angry2. If you successfully overthrow a king– the god/gods want you to rule3. Zhou introduced a divine cosmic deity that rules over creation

Floods, famine or other catastrophes were signs that a dynasty had lost the favor with the gods. •As a result, a new leader might seize power and set up a new dynasty

Economy

During the Zhou period the economy grew.•The use of irrigation and iron for tools helped to produce more food.

➢ Trade expanded along new roads and canals➢ The Chinese began to use money for the first time which helped increase trade

• Ruled for 1000 years• Kings build walls to defend from attack• The kingdom was divided into territories--- Feudalism

• However--- These territories began fighting against one another

• Warring States (475 BC – 221 BC)

Zhou Dynasty Rules! NOT!

Philosophy (Religion)

• At the end of the Zhou (403 BC-221BC), China disintegrated into “the Warring States period” as Zhou leaders lost control and states fought each other

• 100 Schools Movement tried to bring stability to China

• Confucianism

• Taoism and

• Legalism– respect the government

Basic beliefs

• Dualism – everything relates to everything else and works best when in balance (Yin/Yang)

• Harmony, cooperation, submission to the larger group while allowing for individuality

• Heaven controls life on Earth and life passes from parent to child. Because each child receives life from its parents it makes sense that the child should “worship” his or her parents

• All these philosophies talk about respecting elders and the government

Horses were ridden on instead of pulling chariots