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Daoism
Laozi (lao Tzu) - “the way/force,” a universal force guides all things; harmony and order come from balance and nature
Confucianism
Confucius - treat people with love and respect, return to traditional values (look to the past to create order), respect for elders, education, public service exam
What are the five relationships of Confucianism?
father-child, ruler-subject, husband-wife, older brother-younger brother, friend-friend… a ruler must act like a parent to subjects otherwise they could be overthrown
Legalism
Han Fei - people are selfish, need a strong and powerful government to control, harsh punishments, thinkers and their ideas should be strictly controlled by the government
What was the first dynasty to unite China?
Qin Dynasty, founded by Shi Huangdi (“First Emperor”)
What was the “first emperor’s” rule like?
he was quite power hungry and ambitious, uniting all of China, creating the Great Wall project, but people building it just wore rags, he had 700,000 men build a great tomb for him. He drank mercury because it was thought to give immortality, few mourned his death as he was seen as ruthless.
Qin Dynasty
Legalism - burned books and murdered scholars, peasants forced to build and pay for infrastructure projects. Known for terra cotta warriors, build Great Wall to protect against North invaders (Mongols/Huns)
Han Dynasty
Confucianism - used civil service exam, achievements: Buddhism spreads, start of Silk Road, paper, wheelbarrow, ship’s rudder - lost mandate of heaven, ends with peasant revolts
Sui Dynasty
NO Confucianism - built grand canal (1000 mi), ½ of workers die, ends with peasant revolts
Tang + Song Dynasty
Confucianism - achievements: Buddhism spreads to Japan and Korea, Porcelain, woodblock printing, gunpowder, foot binding, rice cultivation, paper money - conquered by Mongols
What impact do we see from classical dynasties today?
Buddhism, paper, ship’s rudder, silk road, porcelain, clock, compass, gunpowder, paper money, etc.
Genghis Khan
“universal ruler” united Mongol tribes - organized strong and quick military who sent messages of fear and burned resisting towns. He died 1229 which divided territory into Khanates (kingdoms)
Kublai Khan
“Great” Khan who set up Khanate - Yuan Dynasty 1279 that conquered the Song. He was the 1st outsider to rule China, visited by Marco Polo (Venice) who increased European interest in Mongols
End of Yuan Dynasty
Failed to conquer Japan, military defeats, conquered by Ming Dynasty in 1368
Achievements of the Mongols
tolerant rule - tolerance of local beliefs with tribute and pax Mongolia, Trade - guarded silk road and other trade routes there was disease, Marco Polo - Venetian trader who wrote about Khan’s China
Maurya Empire
Bureaucratic government, supported stable agriculture, trade, commerce, and a powerful military, laying a foundation for future Indian empires to follow. Fell after Ashoka’s death since there was no plan after his death, government bankrupted central treasury, etc. During his reign, government made major roadways and other big projects. After converting to Buddhism, Ashoka still renounced some offensive warfare, but at the same time he spread peace across Western and Southern Asia.
Gupta Empire
Rose from conquests and political alliances. Chandragupta II lead India to a golden age from conquests and trade helping them get money leading the empire to be marked by peace and public safety. Scholars flourished, excelled in math, astronomy, science, solidifying key elements of their culture. Most famous ruler is Samudragupta.
