The Zhou Dynasty and Warring States Period

When did the zhou dynasty rule?

From 1020 BC - 256 BC (longest lasting chinese dynasty)

Mandate of Heaven

bestows upon someone the reign or legitimacy to rule, which remains with an individual and his descendants.

• The Zhou used this to justify their overthrow of the Shang

Tien

Heaven, victory in battle determined by the gods of the heavens

What did Chinese leaders want?

To maintain the mandate of heaven by being good leaders and taking care of the people.

Tributary empire

• give conquered nations the choice to taxation to armed forces supply or be destroyed

• keep local powers in power, but tributary state owes military service, taxation, etc.

• cons: conquered states leap at chance of revolt

Governor system

• conquer empire, divide it up, and appoint people to run each part (instate laws, rule land, etc.)

• governments job is to collect taxes and keep the peace

Feudalism (most frequently used system)

• king gives land grant (known as a fief) to a loyal noble to administer

• king fought w/generals and rewards them with lands, titles, and honor

• downside: leaves some disatisfied for receiving smaller terrirories, or none

What is a fief’s job?

• administer the land, provide justice and protection for lower classes

• protect kings law in your land

• collect taxes

What is feudalism based on?

loyalty, often fails after first generation dies

What started the Warring States Period?

The Zhou dynasty used the feudalism system, which began to break down, causing noble to fight each other.

The shi

new class of administrative specialists who are literate and act as advisors

• most famous is sun tzu (Art of War)

• gave rise to Confuscius