Classical Civilization: China

Chapter

AP* Sixth Edition

World CivilizationsThe Global Experience

Copyright ©2011, ©2007, ©2004 by Pearson Education, Inc.All rights reserved.

World Civilizations: The Global Experience, AP* Sixth EditionStearns • Adas • Schwartz • Gilbert

Classical Civilization:Classical Civilization:ChinaChina

2



Establishment of Political Order

New order from 700s B.C.E.–New political structures–Zhou, Qin, then Han rule–Establishment of enduring institutions



China from the Later Zhou to the Han Era




Han Dynasty– Overthrew Qin in 207 B.C.E.– Ruled for four centuries– Long-lasting, stable bureaucracy– Rise of Chinese sense of uniqueness




Cultural traditions– Broad isolation– Enduring philosophy of yin and yang



Patterns in Classical China

Pattern established– New dynasty

Begins rule strong, economic strength Dynasty weakens, revenues decline Internal rebellions and invasions

– Succeeding dynasty emerges




Zhou Dynasty (1029-258 B.C.E.)– Came from the north, replacing Shang– System of indirect rule– Territorial expansion– Some centralization

Linguistic unity Religious practices reshaped



Qin Rule–Originally nomadic, marginal–Shi Huangdi

Zhou rival Rules from about 200 B.C.E. Great Wall Great centralization Death of Shi Huangdi in 210 B.C.E.• Leads to a period of conflict




The Han Dynasty– Territorial expansion

Contact with India Trade with Roman Empire

– Wu Ti (140-87 B.C.E.) Establishes peaceful rule

– Han rule strong until about 220 C.E.




Government allows rule of large territory– Reliance on family structure

Ancestor worship– Local rule weakened

Single law code over all Rule from center out




Strong Bureaucracy– Power of warrior-landlords lessened– Examination system put in place by Wu Ti– Highly-integrated system

Trained bureaucrats Some limits on imperial power




Ancient Capitals



Roles of the state– Military role not preeminent– Economic role

Weights, measures, currency– Public works




Religion and Culture

Confucianism–Concern with stability, peace–An ethical system–Role of moral elite

Education central–The Confucian Gentleman

Moral rectitude Public and private spheres equally important Kings should be reminded of duties




Legalism– Favored a strong state, ruling through force– Belief that human nature was basically evil– In opposition to Confucianism in many ways

Yet the two often combined in exercise of power




Popular religion– Confucianism has limited appeal – Polytheism persists

Conciliation of spirits Family ceremonies




Laozi (400s B.C.E.)–Philosopher–Retreat from society–State cannot solve all problems–Nature

Dao, cosmic force–Meditation




Literature, Art, and Science– Five Classics

Combination of genres Basis for government examinations

– Decorative arts Calligraphy

– Science concentrated on the practical



Economy and Society

Confucian Social System– Landowning aristocracy and bureaucrats– Laboring masses: peasants and artisans– The “mean people”

Unskilled laborers Performing artists Slaves



Economy and Society

Trade and technology– Trade increases under the Zhou and Han

Little respect for trade and merchants– Technology

Plows, new collar for draft animals Iron tools Water-powered mills Ppaer



Economy and Society

Gender and Family Life– Great emphasis on authority– Parental authority especially upheld– Women subordinate to men



How Chinese Society Fits Together

Isolation– View of surrounding peoples as inferior– No missionary desires– Buddhism an exception




Social and Cultural Links to Politics– Society viewed as a whole– Government and society seen as one– Agriculture tied to government through

revenue




Complexities in Classical China– Confucianism versus Daoism

Many points of overlap But some antagonism

– Balance often upset Overpopulation might lead to uprisings



Global Connections: Classical China and the WorldQin and Han China

– Agriculture permits large population– Development of technologies– Influence through the Silk Road

China connected with other areas Trade mostly by nomadic merchants

– The “Middle Kingdom” Influence on surrounding peoples

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Classical Civilization: China

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