China Modules 2-4 Questions Flashcards
Chronology of Chinese Dynasties
2
Xia, Shang, Zhou, Warring States, Qin (founder of China), Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing
List characteristics of North and South China.
2:1
North:
- most clearly documented archeologically
- high fertile soil (loess)
- dominant crop = MILLET
- Banpo people
- Yellow River
South:
- not clearly dated due to weather and erosion
- several dating problems
- earlier origin of agriculture + bronze
- wheat and barley
SOUTHEAST -> agriculture
Yangshao vs. Longshan
2:1
Yangshao (Banpo People)
- first literate and city-building civilization
Longshan (Black Pottery)
-resembled the Shang
- oracle bones
- original domain of Yangshao
Which dynasty expressed the Mandate of Heaven and when?
2:2
The Zhous; when overthrowing the Shang Dynasty, stating that they had lost their mandate through misgovernment
What year marked the end of the Warring States?
2:2/2:3
221 BCE
Who were Mencius and Xunzi?
M3:1
Two contributors to the success of Confucianism
Mencius:
- viewed that rulers could gain people’s trust through benevolent government and unifying them “all under heaven”
- people are all born benevolent
- stated right for people to rebel against unjust rulers
Xunzi:
- argued that people are all born selfish and only education & ritual can help them learn
- repaying parents and ancestors were sacred duties
What was the greatest sin for Confucian believers?
M3:1
Having no descedants
Note: Ancestor worship was NOT followed, but ancestors were served as models for descedants to be respected and followed
Explain Laozi and Zhuangzi books.
M3:2
Laozi
- central belief that people are better off if they KNEW less and gave up on tools
- followed the way; “highest good is like water”
Zhuangzi
- book filled with fictional characters and anecdotes
- questioned whether we can be sure that life is better than death (does death offer any delights?)
Define Taoti.
M2.2
Objects of the Zhou Dynasty that were used in sacrificial ceremonies like masks
- has a head but no body
- symbol of protection for own tribe, but other tribes saw it as fear and force
Shi
M2:2
lower ranks of Chinese aristocracy, could serve as military or civil capacities
Who are Li si, Lord Shang, and Li Ping?
M2:3
**Under Qin Shi-Huang di:
**
- Li Si: PM
- Lord Shang: founder of Legalist school (“punish severely light crimes”)
- Li Ping: governor official, wanted to minize floods in Yellow River (“dig the beds deep, keep the banks low.”)
Who was Sima Qian?
M2:4
he wrote the comprehensive history of China, called the “Records of Great Historian”
- part of Han Dynasty
Based on legalist schools and teachings, ____ -> strength?
M2:3
UNITY
Ren
M3:1
Confucian view as the ultimate virtue; humanity.
Who was Zhu Xi?
M3:1
Confucian philosopher who spread Neo-Confucianism
