Chinese Political and Cultural History: Dynasties, Reforms, and Rebellions

Yin Yang

Balance of opposites, interconnectedness in Daoism.

Daoism

Ruling with humility.

Confucianism

Virtuous, hierarchical leadership.

Filial piety

Respect and devotion to parents and ancestors.

Social harmony (Confucianism)

Proper behavior, rituals, and moral relationships.

Five relationships

Ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder-younger brother, friend-friend.

Legalism

Humans are selfish, need strict laws and harsh punishment.

Population density

Higher in east (fertile, trade routes), lower in west (mountainous).

Middle Kingdom

China's view as the center of civilization, surrounded by 'barbarians.'

Dynastic cycle

Rise, peak, decline, overthrow of dynasties.

Mandate of Heaven

Heaven grants rulers legitimacy, can withdraw if unjust.

Century of Humiliation

Foreign powers imposed unequal treaties, gained control.

Taiping Rebellion

Peasants sought land, escape from Qing hardship.

Boxer Rebellion

Anti-foreign, anti-Christian uprising (1900).

Treaty of Nanjing

Ceded Hong Kong, opened ports, reparations to Britain.

Sun Yat-sen

Led Chinese nationalism and democracy after Qing fall.

Three People's Principles

Nationalism, democracy, people's livelihood.

Long March

CCP escape from Nationalists, symbolizing resilience.

Great Leap Forward

Attempted rapid industrialization, led to disaster.

Hundred Flowers Campaign

Encouraged criticism, later repressed.

Cultural Revolution

Red Guards attacked old culture, class enemies.

Deng Xiaoping

Economic reforms, market policies, reduced Maoist influence.

Four Modernizations

Reform industry, agriculture, defense, and technology.

Tiananmen Square (1989)

Pro-democracy protests, demand for reforms.

Special Economic Zones

Attracted foreign investment, economic freedom.

Perestroika & Deng's reforms

Market-driven socialism, moving from central planning.

Xi Jinping

Centralized power, revived Maoist-style control, strong nationalism.

Belt and Road Initiative

Global infrastructure, trade influence.