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Writing develops in China from 1,600 to 1,046 BCE
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Longest Chinese dynasty
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551 to 479 BCE
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The Qin army captures Chengzhou and the last emperor is killed. This is the end of the Zhou.
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When Ying Zheng defeats other warring states he also claims the Mandate of Heaven and takes power as Shi Huangdi, first emperor of China.
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Legalism is adopted as the state philosophy and bans all others. (221- 206 BCE)
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Brief, but very important to Chinese history
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Emperors:
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The Han territory expands during Emperor Wu's ruling from 140-87 BCE
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Northern dynasties:
Northern Wei: 386-532
Western Wei:535-554
Southern dynasties:
Western Chin: 219-316
Eastern Chin: 217-419 -
Emperors:
Yang Jian (r. 581-604)
Yang Guang (r. 605-617) -
China is reunified with the "Three Department" system and six ministries.
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The Grand Canal was built from the Yellow River to Beijing. Thousands of men and women helped with the building process. This canal was very large and helped with trading, agriculture, defense and more. It also helped create a link between northern and southern China.
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Emperors:
Gaozu (r. 618-616)
Taizong (r.626- 649)
Gaozong (r. 649-683)
Zhonzong and Ruizong (r. 683- 690 sequentially)
Xuanzong (r. 712- 756) -
The suppression of Buddhism and other foreign religions occur. Temples and Monasteries are closed and the wealth is taken by the government. (841-845)
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When An Lu-shan declares himself emperor he is murdered by his son who, in turn, is also murdered. Many warlords compete for position and this time period became known as the period of the Five Dynasties.
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Empress Wu usurps power and becomes the only female emperor in Chinese History. Later on, she is forced to abdicate at the age of 80.
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Emperors:
Zhao Kuangyin (r. 960-976)
Zhou Kuangyi (r. 976-997)
Zhao Ji (r. 1101-1126)
Gaozong (r. 1127-1162) -
In 1127 the Northern Song dynasty is overrun by nomadic groups calling themselves the Jin dynasty.
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From 1235-1279 the Song dynasty resists Mongol invaders. Explosive weapons were even used for the very first time during these years.
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Emperors:
Kublai (r. 1260- 1294)
Toghun Temur (r. 1333- 1368) -
Fleets are sent to Japan. The second attempt in 1281 is ruined by the destruction of a typhoon.
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The Grand Canal is rebuilt and extended to Beijing.
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The deterioration of the Yuan dynasty was from the 1340s to the 1360s due to factionalism, military deterioration, deadly epidemics and the absence of much needed water programs along with more. Because of these problems, the Yuan dynasty was easily defeated. War and peasant revolts were throughout the empire.
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Taizu gets control of Beijing. He does not capture or defeat the Mongol emperor who fled to Mongolia. The Mongol are never defeated by the Ming dynasty. This dynasty is not as grand as previous dynasties. It can be described and ordinary and favoring of the comman man. Because of his background, Taizu favors the poor over the rich.
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Emperors:
Zhu Yuanzhang (r. 1368- 1398)
Zhu Di (r. 1402 - 1424)
Zhe Qizen (r. 1436-1450)
Guangzong (r 1573-1620) -
Emperors:
Kangxi (r. 1662- 1722)
Yongzheng (r. 1722-1736)
Qianlong (r. 1736-95)
Guangxu (r. 1898) -
This rebellion was a peasant uprising from 1840 to 1842. A Christian convert calls himself the Son of Heaven and claims to be the brother of Christ. He gains many followers and attempted to overthrow the Qing dynasty.
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At the end of the Opium war, the Nanjing treaty is signed giving Hong Kong to Great Britain.
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Revolutionaries overthrow the dynasty.
