Imperial China

Confucian Review

• 551-479 BCE• Teacher of proper

conduct & thought

• Lead through virtuous example

Who was Shi Huangdi?• “First Emperor” 259-210 BCE• Unified China Through Fear, Brutality

and Oppression (a winning combination)

The Qin Dynasty 221-207 BCE

What Is Legalism?• The nature of man is evil.• The only way to achieve order is

strict laws and harsh punishments.

Why Did Qin Collapse?• Because the Qin harsh controls were

hated. • After the death of Shi Huangdi, his

successors were not strong enough to maintain control.

The Han Dynasty 206 BCE-220 CE

How did the Han Dynasty strengthen China?

• Relaxed the harsh controls of the Qin.

• Appointed wise Confucian advisors.• Improved internal infrastructure.• Improved government finances.

What were the achievements of the Han Golden Age?

• Wang Chong’s scientific method: accept theories only when supported by proof.

• Finest technology and engineering in the world.

• Extraordinary art and literature.

How did the overthrow of the Han reflect the dynastic cycle?

How did the overthrow of the Han reflect the dynastic cycle?

• The Han lost control of the local rulers and the infrastructure decayed.

• Rebellions sprang up, showing that the Han had lost the Mandate Of Heaven.

Why did Buddhism appeal to many people in China?

• Because if offered a hope of personal salvation that Confucianism and Daoism did not.

• Because Buddhism was adaptable, absorbing many Chinese traditions, such as filial piety.