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Ancient_China.pptx
- 2. Ancient China • Geographicbarriers isolate China – Deserts and high mountain ranges – Rainforests divide China from southeast Asia – Pacific Ocean to the east • Civilization emerges in Huang River valley – “River of Sorrows”
- 3. Shang Dynasty • Firstrecorded Chinese dynasty, about 1766 BC • Social classes develop – Kings and princes rule – Royal family and noble warriors at the top – Most were peasants
- 4. Dynastic cycle • Therise and the fall of dynasties in China – Zhou overthrew Shang about 1766 BC • Dynasties needed the Mandate of Heaven • Disaster meant that a dynasty lost the favor of heaven – Zhou ends in 256 BC
- 5. Confucius • A brilliantscholar and teacher • Taught that relationships shape behavior • Confucianism influences one- third of the world’s population
- 6. 5 key relationships •Ruler to subject, parent to child, husband to wife, older brother to younger brother, friend to friend • Filial piety (respect for parents)
- 7. Achievements • Invented silk-making –Most valuable export • Created the first books • Developed a complex writing system – Writing as an art form (calligraphy) • Improved bronze technology
- 8. Feudalism • Under theZhou dynasty China became a feudal state • System of gov’t in which local lords governed their own lands but owed military service and support to the ruler
- 9. Creating the Empire •Shi Huangdi became first emperor – Was very brutal • Conquered many warring states • Built an authoritarian Qin government – Tortured and killed anyone who opposed him
- 12. Unity • The feudalstate was replaced with 36 military districts • Created a money economy • United Chinese writing • Repaired roads and canals for travel
- 13. The Great Wall •Shi Huangdi’s greatest achievement • 25 feet high, thousands of miles long • Feudal states built their own walls, now they were united together • Used to protect the civilization from nomadic bands north of the wall
- 15. Han Dynasty • EmperorWudi strengthened Chinese gov’t and economy • Held a monopoly on iron and salt • Used expansionism – Increased land under Chinese control
- 16. The Silk Road •Trade route created by Wudi • Connected China to western countries • Chinese would trade silk for grapes, figs, cucumbers, fur, and glass • 4,000 miles long
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- 18. End of theHan dynasty • Han dynasty collapsed after the peasants revolted • The emperors could no longer control powerful warlords • After 400 years of unity, China broke into several kingdoms • Invaders poured over the Great Wall and settled in China
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