Chinese Dynasties-Day 1

CHINESE TIME PERIODS

• THE CHINESE HAD SOME OF THEIR

GREATEST CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENTS AT

THE SAME TIME OF GREECE AND ROME.

• DYNASTIES (RULING FAMILY)-HOW

CHINESE HISTORY IS DIVIDED INTO TIME

PERIODS

DYNASTIC CYCLE

907-960 CE

5 Dynasties Period

THE DYNASTIES

1046-256 BCE
Zhou Dynasty

ca. 2100-1600 BCE

Xia Dynasty

ca. 1600-1050 BCE

Shang Dynasty

221-206 BCE
Qin Dynasty

220-589 CE

6 Dynasties Period

206 BCE-220 CE

Han Dynasty

581-618 CE
Sui Dynasty

618-906 CE
Tang Dynasty

1912-1949
Republic

1949-present

People's Republic of China

1644-1912

Qing Dynasty

1279-1368

Yuan Dynasty

960-1279

Song Dynasty

1368-1644

Ming Dynasty

ZHOU DYNASTY

(1027 B.C.-221 B.C.)

• 1027 B.C. Zhou conquered the Shang.

• Zhou ruler used the Mandate of Heaven to

justify his rule.

• Mandate of Heaven-ruler was chosen by

heaven to rule, and heaven would also

overthrow a bad ruler.

ZHOU CIVIL WAR

• Feudalism- Nobles were given land in exchange for military
service.

• Zhou rulers conquered neighboring peoples

⚬ made them part of China

• 6th Century, nobles became too powerful to control.

⚬ China plunged into Civil War

ZHOU LEGACY

• Philosophers

⚬ Confucius sought to bring

order to China’s social and

political life

⚬ Lao Tzu wanted peace and

stability for individuals

CONFUCIANISM

• Confucius -founder of

Confucianism

• Based on the basic order of the

universe

• stressed following traditional

ways

• Each person live up to his or her

name/fulfill social obligations

CONFUCIANISM

• Placed great importance on

traditional values-obedience and

order

• Filiel Piety- children show

devotion to parents

• Family was a model for society

(duties, good deeds, civilized way

of life.

MAJOR BELIEFS OF CONFUCIAMISM

• Natural Order-each person has a role in society

• Role of Each Person-if people meet their obligations, society

will be in harmony

• Relationships-superior (love and responsibility) and inferior

(loyal and obedient)

• Mandate of Heaven

DAOISM

• Began in 5th Century B.C.

• Lao Tzu teachings

• Believe that nature has a “way” (the Dao)

• Deep respect for nature and harmony

• Enlightenment can be reached by

non-striving, enjoying nature, and using

contemplation