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Mandate of Heaven

Principles:

right to rule is granted by Heaven.
only one Heaven so only one ruler in China.
right to rule depends on the virtue of the ruler.

Advantages:

It gives the ruler supreme power politically and religiously
power kept in check by virtue.

The Mandate of Heaven justifies rebellion as long as the rebellion is successful.

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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🡪

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Era of Warring States

During the last 500 years of Zhou rule, regional rulers were constantly at war with each other.
This period is called the Era of Warring States.
One of these warring regional rulers, Qin, began to unite the regions by eliminating adversaries and defeating outside invaders.
He was only thirteen!
This began the Qin dynasty for which China is named. Qin became known as Qin Shi Huangdi which means “First Emperor.”

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Defending the Empire

Centralized Government

Abolishes old “feudal states” and divides China into 36 military districts, each ruled by appointed officials.
Use of inspectors (spies) to keep local officials in check.
Shi Huangdi forces all “noble families” to live in the capital in Xianyang.
Nobles land was divided up amongst the peasants who had to pay very high taxes.

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Qin Dynasty Achievements

Built highways which expanded trade

Standardized currency, weights and measures.

Built irrigation systems

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The Great Wall of China

The wall was built using forced labor. Many peasants died of exhaustion and were buried inside the wall.

Construction of the wall continued until the 17^th century.

It is 3,700 miles long.

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The Rise of Confucius Beliefs

The Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) used Legalism, which enforced strict laws and harsh punishments.
Many scholars and citizens opposed Legalism’s harsh rule and saw Confucianism as a better alternative.
Although Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi banned and burned Confucian books, the ideas still spread.
Confucianism provided a moral code emphasizing stability, education, and respectful governance.

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Confucius

Confucius was an important Chinese philosopher.
He stressed the importance of order to achieve harmony.
Confucius believed that if people knew and did what they should do, then harmony would occur.

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Confucius

Kong Fuzi (551-479 BCE)

Master Philosopher Kong

Aristocratic roots
Unwilling to compromise principle
Decade of unemployment, wandering
Returned home a failure, died soon thereafter
Teachings: Analects

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Confucian Values

Kindness
Needed in government!

Courtesy & respect, especially to elders

Xiao

Filial piety

Traits lead to development of junzi

Ideal leaders

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1. Ruler

Subject

2. Father

Son

3. Husband

Wife

4. Older� Brother

Younger�Brother

5. Older� Friend

Younger�Friend

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Shi Huangdi’s Death

When Qin Shi Huangdi died, few people were sad.
His son ruled for three years and then was overthrown by Han rulers.

Qin Shi Huangdi was buried in a compound along with nearly 8,000 life-sized terra cotta soldiers and horses.

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Historical Setting of the Han

Followed the Qin dynasty

Rebel general, Liu Bang, gained control of China following years of fighting after the fall of the Qin Dynasty
Came from a poor family

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Reuniting and Expanding China

Encouraged learning
Lowered taxes

Wudi (5th Han Emperor) send armies to conquer lands in Central Asia

Less harsh punishments

Kept many of Qin laws
Confucian advisors encouraged rulers to set an example of mercy and proper behavior

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