Topic: Ancient China: 1,500 BCE-220 CE

Weekly Schedule
Due Date	Activity
Feb 19	Read & examine this week's module Read textbook: Chapter 4 Read all documents Watch all videos
Feb 19	Discussion: Confucius
Feb 19	Assignment: Mandate of Heaven
Feb 19	Quiz # 4

Image: Horse Statue from the Han Period

Summary:

Chinese Civilization emerged along the banks of the Huang He and Yangzi River Valleys. The collection of villages and towns existed in a precarious balance with the unpredictable nature of the rivers and the vast wilderness of the ancient forests. Agriculture and animal domestication led to a rise in population and the emergence of cities. The fertile loess soil of the Huang He became an important ingredient for production of building materials, molds for metal, and agriculture. By the time of the Shang, China had developed or borrowed a myriad of technological advances that supported a well organized-society. The subsequent dynasty, the Zhou, developed more complex ideas of government and economics that guided China until the time of division and conflict in the middle of the first millennium BCE.

Warfare and turmoil gave rise to enduring belief systems that favored harmony and stability, most notably Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. Confucianism was an ethical philosophy that focused on human behavior. Its virtues were meant to help create a hierarchical society in which key relationships were the foundation of a stable and harmonious way of life. Daoism urged harmony with nature and the avoidance of ambition. Legalism favored strong rulers who could impose law and order and, therefore, stability.

Under the influence of the Legalist Li Si, the Qin emperor Shihuangdi conquered much of China and created a new dynasty. The First Emperor’s policies were meant to consolidate power in his hands and glorify the state. While the Qin succeeded in bringing the Chinese empire into existence, their brutality led to the dynasty’s overthrow and the advent of the long-lived Han dynasty.

On the basis of Qin achievements, the Han formed the first strong, effective service bureaucracy in China’s history. Wudi, the Han Martial Emperor, built the Chinese army into an expansive force. Wudi’s many wars, however, led to unrest. A pattern of decline and reform marked much of the Later Han period. Revolts and civil war eventually brought the dynasty’s rule to an end.

While the Han dynasty lasted, China enjoyed one of the world’s most stable and productive societies. Han society was based mainly on village farming and herding. Peasant life was centered on the family. Urban life was far more diverse and sophisticated than rural life. Han cities were the sites of considerable technological and commercial invention. As it extended its reach into Central Asia, China also increased commerce with other cultures along a network of trade routes that came to be called the Silk Road.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this week's module, students will be able to:

Analyze the rise of civilization and the establishment of traditions in Ancient China.
Compare and contrast the Chinese systems of Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism.
Examine the social structures, innovations, and connections developed in ancient China.