Ancient China Flashcards
Warring-States Period
Internal conflict/war in China. Philosophies developed: Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. These philosophies attempted to answer the tough questions about the chaotic world.
Ancient China River Valley Review (GRAPES)
G- unpredictable rivers, isolation
R- polytheistic, ancestor worship, oracle bones
A- oracle bones and writing, bronze vs. iron
P- mandate of heaven, dynastic cycle
E- based on agriculture, utilized rivers
S- patriarchy, family devotion
List the dynasties/periods of China in order
Xia Dynasty, Shang Dynasty, Zhou Dynasty, Warring-States Period, Qin Dynasty, Han Dynasty
Dynasty
group of rulers from the same family (in this case, all men)
What material were the Chinese the best with?
Bronze
Xia Dynasty
First dynasty, although possibly a myth. There are no written records. Founded by Yu the Great, who created an irrigation system that controlled destructive flooding.
Shang Dynasty
Established dynastic cycle by taking over Xia Dynasty (king Tang took over). Many bronze tools and weapons were used. Rulers were the head of government and religion. There was construction of irrigation systems, walled cities, and an army
Zhou Dynasty
Formed by a king named Wu. Mandate of Heaven created. First to use iron. Land divided into states; kings could be in charge of them in exchange for loyalty, taxes, supplying soldiers, etc.
Qin Dynasty
Leader was Shi Huangdi. Formed because the Qin state emerged strongest from the Warring-States Period. Legalism was enforced. Shi Huangdi led by the quote “strengthening the trunk and weakening the branches”. Set standards for currency, writing, etc. Ended because Shi Huangdi died.
What was constructed during the Qin Dynasty? Provide brief definitions
Great Wall of China (protected China from invaders), Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huangdi (his tomb), and Terracotta Army (protected him in the afterlife)
Explain the quote “strengthening the trunk and weakening the branches”
Shi Huangdi kept power for himself (the trunk) while weakening the power of other noble families in China (the branches)
Han Dynasty
Established by Liu Bang. Previous dynasty declined after Qin Shi Huangdi’s death, and a revolt overthrew it, so the Han Dynasty was created. Wu Di expanded the Civil Service Bureaucracy. Legalism abandoned, Confucianism promoted. Encouraged assimilation of conquered people into Chinese culture. Economy controlled through monopolies, and agriculture considered important.
Bureaucracy
created to help the emperor rule China by designating officials to perform certain tasks
What was the social hierarchy of Ancient China?
Top: Emperor, royal family, scholars
Farmers
Artisans
Merchants (at the bottom because they didn’t produce anything of their own)
What are the main aspects of Chinese society?
4 main classes (organized by the time of the Han Dynasty). They didn’t indicate wealth or power; instead they indicated someone’s worth based on their contributions. Gender inequalities; women had less rights
