Confucianism, Daoism, Former Han dynasty, Xin Dynasty

Confucianism

A philosophical system founded by Kong Fuzi that emphasizes morality, proper social relationships, and justice.

Kong Fuzi

Also known as Confucius; a philosopher from Northern China (551-479 B.C.) who advocated for education and moral governance.

Junzi

Superior individuals in Confucianism who are not influenced by personal interests in their judgments.

Ren

An attitude of kindness and benevolence promoted by Confucius.

Li

A sense of propriety in Confucianism, emphasizing courtesy and respect for others, especially elders and superiors.

Filial Piety

Obligation of children to care for parents and other family elders, as emphasized by Confucius, also known as 'xiao'.

Mencius

A follower of Confucius (372-289 B.C.) who became a principal spokesperson for Confucian thought.

Xunzi

A Confucian follower (298-238 B.C.) who had a less optimistic view of human nature than Mencius.

Daoism

A philosophical and religious tradition focused on living in harmony with the Dao (the Way), famously founded by Laozi.

Laozi

The founder of Daoism and author of the 'Daodejing', emphasizing simplicity and harmony with nature.

Wuwei

A Daoist principle meaning 'non-action' or 'effortless action', encouraging simplicity and harmony rather than ambition.

Legalism

A strict philosophical belief in the importance of laws and harsh punishments; notably implemented by Shang Yang.

Shang Yang

The most notable figure of Legalism, instrumental in ending the Warring States period and unifying China.

Qin Dynasty

The dynasty (221-207 B.C.) that marked the first unification of China under centralized rule.

Qin Shihuangdi

The first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221-210 B.C.) known for centralizing power and standardizing the script.

Centralized Bureaucracy

A system of government where power is concentrated in a central authority, as seen under Qin Shihuangdi.

Book Burning

The action taken by Qin Shihuangdi against books of philosophy, ethics, and history to suppress dissent.

Terra Cotta Army

A collection of life-sized pottery figures buried with Qin Shihuangdi to protect him in the afterlife.

Han Dynasty

A major dynasty in Chinese history (206 B.C.-220 A.D.) known for establishing a tradition of centralized imperial rule.

Han Wudi

The greatest emperor of the Former Han Dynasty, known for expanding territory and promoting Confucianism.

Xiongnu

A nomadic people who posed a significant threat to the Han Empire, known for their horsemen.

Pax Sinica

A period of peace in East Asia, established partly due to Han Wudi's military successes.

Silk Roads

A network of trade routes established during the Han Dynasty that facilitated trade and cultural exchanges.

Hegemony

Cultural or military dominance over others, achieved by the Former Han after defeating the Xiongnu.

Paper

An invention during the Former Han dynasty that revolutionized communication and record-keeping.

Land Distribution Problems

Issues leading to the collapse of the Former Han Dynasty due to uneven allocation of land.

Wang Mang

The usurper who ended the Former Han Dynasty and became known as the 'socialist emperor' (9-23 A.D.).

Socialist Emperor

Title given to Wang Mang for his reforms aimed at redistributing land from large estates to peasants.

Civil Wars

Conflicts that arose during the Later Han Dynasty due to power struggles, leading to the government collapse.

Regional Kingdoms

Political divisions that emerged in China after the collapse of the central government in the early 3rd century A.D.

Ren vs. Li

Key concepts in Confucianism representing benevolence (ren) and propriety (li) in social relationships.

Importance of Education in Confucianism

Believed to be essential for good governance and moral development of individuals.

Centralization of the Empire

The process by which regional states lost power, consolidating authority under Qin Shihuangdi.

Emphasis on Kindness

A fundamental value in Confucianism, represented by the concept of 'ren'.

Qin Dynasty Duration

Despite achieving unification, the Qin Dynasty lasted only 14 years due to revolts after Shihuangdi's death.

Influence of Legalism

Legalism shaped governance methods that emphasized strict laws and harsh punishments.

Role of Ancestors in Confucianism

Ancestors are respected and remembered, demonstrating the importance of family ties in the philosophy.

State Control in Legalism

Legalism promoted a system where state control was paramount in society, often through fear.

Qin Shihuangdi's Legacy

Established the model for future emperors in China through his centralized imperial rule and innovations.

Silk as a Commodity

Silk became a highly valued product traded along the Silk Roads, influencing international trade.

Han Expansion Policies

Policies under Han Wudi that expanded Chinese territory to include regions like Vietnam and Korea.

Historical Context of Confucianism

Developed during a time of social turmoil, aiming to create stability through ethical governance.

Philosophical Rivalries

Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism were the three dominant philosophies contending for influence in ancient China.

Role of Guanxi in Confucianism

Emphasizes the importance of relationships and connections in societal interactions.

Rise and Fall of the Qin Dynasty

The dynasty rapidly rose to power but fell shortly after due to tyrannical rule and widespread discontent.

Cultural Contributions of the Han Dynasty

Known for advancements in technology, literature, and governance that influenced future generations.

Smaller Kingdoms Post-Han

After the fall of the Han, China fragmented into smaller states until re-unification.