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.