Brief History of China

Yellow River Valley Communities

8000 BCE

Small agricultural communities grow around the Yellow and Huang He Rivers. Populations increase as food surplus increase.

China's Geography

4000 BCE

The geography of Eastern Asia keeps Chinese civilizations isolated from those in the Middle East and Indus River Valley. They grow lots of rice.

Early Chinese Settlements

3500 BCE

These settlements took advantage of the rich, fertile land along the Yellow and Huang He Rivers. Plants and animals were domesticated. Stone and bronze tools were used. Labor was divided which led to social classes. Political and social structures began taking shape.

Rise of the Xia

2697 BCE

There was once a great ruler named Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) who emerged from a tribal system and ruled over his people. He and the Xia Dynasty are credited with creating musical instruments, production of silk, developing medicine, agriculture and implementing laws and customs - thus creating the first form of government in China.

Shang Dynasty

1600 BCE

The Shang extends control using their military strength. The Shang Emperor had a group (aka aristocracy) that were made up of ambassadors, military generals and public servants. The Shang conquer many people and take them as prisoners of war. They gain a lot of land at this time.

Shang - Political and Social Developments

1200 BCE

Cities grow into political centers. They are surrounded by agricultural areas. Cities are laid out on a grid and serve as hubs for far-reaching trade networks which may go as far as Mesopotamia to trade silk, ivory, jade and bronze weapons.

Zhou Dynasty

1046 BCE

The Zhou (Emperor Wen Wang) is the longest ruling dynasty in Ancient China. There are two periods - Eastern Zhou and Western Zhou. They develop the Mandate of Heaven (the belief that the emperor and ruling house are appointed by the divine). During this time, there are significant contributions - music, poetry, literature, metallurgy and philosophical beliefs like Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism.

Warring States Period

480 BCE

Zhou Dynasty is divided into 100+ territories, each one is ruled by allies or relations of the king. Gov't officials are expected to rule in a fair & moral fashion. The system works until 800 BCE when territories compete with one another for power. In 480 BCE, China enters Warring States Period. State rulers impose authoritarian system known as Legalism to keep their subjects under control. Legalism is the belief that since humans are bad/evil, order is maintained with laws & punishment.

Important Belief Systems & Philosophies

450 BCE

Confucius established his teachings based on Zhou Dynasty culture. He taught that the king is like the father figure to his people, with their interests at heart. Confucianism taught that the group is more important than the individual. Filial Piety - serve your family, the state and country. If families are following orders, than the state and therefore the country benefit. Daoism was spread by Lao Tzu and said "the way" was to follow the world/nature and seek wisdom to change if necessary.

Qin Dynasty

210 BCE

In the 3rd Century, Shi Huangdi defeats their rivals & creates the first Chinese Empire. The Qin (chin) are a totalitarian regime that promotes Legalism and enacts laws to prevent the rise of rival powers. Slavery is abolished to create a free labor force that pays taxes and provides labor & military services. Shi Huangdi standardizes coinage & laws. He builds thousands of miles of roads, canals & walls. When Shi Huangdi dies, people revolt.

Han Dynasty

206 BCE

The Han Dynasty is established after the death of Shi Huangdi. It is known as the Classical Period. It's centered on river valleys in eastern portion of the country. They produce crops that support the population and is a basis of the tax system. The gov't requires men to donate one month's worth of labor each year for the construction of palaces, temples & roads. They require men to also donate 2 years for military service. Achievements - crossbow, silk production, agricultural tools, paper.

Downfall of the Han

220

The Han are unable to maintain a large empire over vast territory. The cost of maintaining a military presences coupled with corruption within the govt, peasant rebellions, and the rise of warlords lead to the Han's downfall.