This document provides an overview of Chinese history from prehistoric times through the Zhou Dynasty. It describes early humans in China like Peking Man from 750,000-500,000 BCE. The Yellow River Valley is identified as the cradle of Chinese civilization starting around 3000 BCE. Important early dynasties discussed include the Xia Dynasty founded by Yu the Great in 2205 BCE, the Shang Dynasty from 1766-1027 BCE known for oracle bones, and the Zhou Dynasty from 1027-256 BCE which overthrew the Shang and is divided into Western and Eastern periods. Key aspects of Chinese culture such as writing, philosophy, religion, and art developed over this long period.
6. Comparing China & the U. S. China United States Size 3.7 million square miles 3.6 million square miles Main physical barrier Himalayas Rockies Main River Yangtze / East - West Mississippi / North – South Population East Coast East Coast Connectivity problems North - South East - West
7. Countries & Regions Tibet Mongolia Southeast Asia Indian Subcontinent Russia N. Korea S> Korea Taiwan Philippines
9. Completed Political Map BEIJING Harbin Nanjing Guangzhou Xi’an Shanghai Taipei Lhasa Hong Kong Macao Tibet Mongolia Southeast Asia Indian Subcontinent N. Korea S> Korea Taiwan Philippines
22. Completed Topographic Map Huang-He River Yellow Sea Yangtze River Pacific Ocean Amur River Xi River South China Sea Sea of Japan Tian Shan Altai Mts. Greater Khingan Kunlun Shan Himalayan Mts. Tibetan Plateau Taklamakan Desert Gobi Desert Manchurian Plain North China Plain Tarim Basin Sichuan Basin Shabdong Peninsula Grand Canal Great Wall CHUNG KUO
77. The Dynastic Cycle A new dynasty comes to power. Lives of common people improved; taxes reduced; farming encouraged. Problems begin (extensive wars, invasions, etc.) Taxes increase; men forced to work for army. Farming neglected. Govt. increases spending; corruption. Droughts, floods, famines occur. Poor lose respect for govt. They join rebels & attack landlords. Rebel bands find strong leader who unites them. Attack the emperor. Emperor is defeated !! The emperor reforms the govt. & makes it more efficient. Start here