Classical China

Zhou Dynasty

Rise: Overthrew the Shang using the Mandate of Heaven. Accomplishments: Feudal system, Mandate of Heaven. Fall: Weak kings, war between nobles.

Qin Dynasty

Rise: Qin Shi Huang unified China. Accomplishments: Great Wall, standard laws, money, writing. Fall: Harsh laws caused rebellion.

Shi Huangdi (Qin Shi Huang)

First emperor of China; ruled with strict Legalism.

Great Wall

Built to protect China from northern invaders.

Han Dynasty

Rise: Liu Bang took power after Qin fell. Accomplishments: Silk Road, civil service exams. Fall: Weak rulers and invasions.

Liu Bang

Founder of the Han Dynasty; ruled more kindly than Qin.

Wu Ti

Strong Han emperor; expanded China and trade.

Silk Road

Trade route connecting China to Europe and Asia.

Civil Service

Government jobs based on exams, not family.

Meritocracy

System where people earn positions by skill and talent.

Mandate of Heaven

Belief that rulers are chosen by heaven and can lose power if unjust.

Dynastic Cycle

Pattern: rise, success, decline, fall of dynasties.

Family Life / Ancestor Worship

Respecting and honoring ancestors through rituals.

Patriarchy

Society where men have more power than women.

Status of Women

Very low; expected to obey men and manage the home.

Social Classes

Ranked groups: emperor, nobles, peasants, artisans, merchants.

Confucius

Taught order, respect, and good behavior.

Five Relationships

Ruler/subject, father/son, husband/wife, older/younger, friend/friend.

Filial Piety

Respect and obedience to parents and elders.

Analects

Book of Confucius
’s teachings.

Science & Technology

Inventions like paper, compass, and iron tools.

Medicine
– Acupuncture

Using needles to balance energy and heal the body.

Art & Poetry

Used to express nature, feelings, and history.

Music

Important for rituals and harmony in society.

Farming & Inventions

Tools like plows improved food production.

Daoism (Taoism)

Belief in living in harmony with nature.

Laozi

Founder of Daoism; taught simplicity.

Legalism

Belief that strict laws and harsh punishments keep order.

Primogeniture

Eldest son inherits property and power.

Bureaucracy

System of government run by officials and departments.