Chapter 2 Timeline

By 429schryverj
  • 600 BCE

    Beginning of Classical Era

    This was the start of the Classical Era. This took place in during the Zhou dynasty. No strong government existed; instead, it was ruled through alliances with regional political leaders. Change - New era in China.
  • Period: 600 BCE to 221

    Politics in China

    While some aspects of Classical China did not change for much time, events such as the Era of the Warring States and beginning of the Han dynasty show that China experienced more change than continuity.
  • 500 BCE

    Confucius Writes the Analects

    The Analects are the compiled wisdom of Confucius. His philosophies became very influential in Chinese government. Change - Most important philosophy for Classical China is created.
  • 402 BCE

    Era of the Warring States Begins

    As regional rulers formed their own armies, emperors became less important. The Zhou dynasty began to collapse. Change - Decay in the politics of Zhou.
  • 221 BCE

    Beginning of Qin Dynasty

    Qin Shi Huangdi becomes the ruler of China. He organized China into provinces and centralized the government. Changed - New dynasty, new form of government.
  • 221 BCE

    Legalism is Adopted

    This form of government favored a state ruled by force. It was mostly used during the Qin dynasty. Change - New form of government.
  • 206 BCE

    Great Wall Complete

    Shi Huangdi has the Great Wall built for protection against invasions from the north. Meanwhile, territory was expanded in the south. Continuity - This was done as part of centralizing China.
  • 202 BCE

    Beginning of Han Dynasty

    A peasant leader of a revolt defeated his opponents. He started the Han dynasty, which lasted for over 400 years. Change - New dynasty was still centralized, but reduced repression.
  • 140 BCE

    Wu Ti Becomes Ruler

    Wu Ti was the most famous ruler of the Han. He expanded territory and promoted peace throughout Asia. Continuity - China increases territory, more peace.
  • 210

    Death of Shi Huangdi

    Shi Huangdi was very unpopular because of things like high taxes. Because of this, many peasants revolted. Change - Revolts were taking place.
  • 221

    End of Han Dynasty

    The Han dynasty had been declining for some time. Eventually, central control was too weak, and the dynasty was overturned by invasions. Change - Dynasty fell, end of Classical China.