AP WORLD HISTORY
Chapter 5Study Packet

OVERVIEW

DIRECTIONS: Read the following overview for the chapter. This will help set focus as you read. Under each of the four main points below, take notes from the reading that supports the statement given.

The cultures of East Asia had relatively little direct contact with the complex societies to the west; nevertheless, powerful states (the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties), sophisticated technologies, and highly stratified societies developed along the banks of the Yellow and Yangzi rivers in China. These early societies were built on a foundation that would endure for millennia, some of the significant components of which include

1.The belief in the principle that the emperor was granted the power to rule through "the mandate of heaven." Thus the emperor, known as the son of heaven, served as a crucial link between the heavenly powers and the people on earth.

2.The extended family as the primary institution of society. The patriarchal head of the family wielded tremendous power and shouldered great responsibilities. It was his job to see that appropriate religious rituals were observed in the worship of the family’s departed ancestors. Those ancestors were believed to have control over the living family's well-being.

3.A writing system that spread widely throughout China and still persists in its basic form, although modified through time. Consequently Chinese society has experienced a virtually uninterrupted literary tradition.

4.Sharp distinctions and clearly defined roles within the society based on class, gender, and age.

ASSIGNMENT 2: Discussion Questions
Directions: Prepare for class discussion by making sure that your notes address the following questions.

  1. How did the physical features of the land and waters in east Asia influence the development of the culture?
  1. What does the term mandate of heaven mean? How did it influence political developments in early east Asia?
  1. What were the causes of the decline and eventual fall of the Zhou dynasty?
  1. Describe the different social orders that developed during the first three dynasties.
  1. Describe the relationship between the Chinese society under the dynasties and the people of the steppe lands. How did these cultures differ? How did they influence each other?
  1. What was the relationship between the culture of the Yellow River and that of the Yangzi Valley?

ASSIGNMENT 3: Short Answer Essays
Directions:Answer the following question to the best of your ability in a well developed paragraph. Use additional pages if needed.

1.Many of the institutions and customs that emerged in east Asia during this era persisted until the twentieth century or even the present. Why do you think this is so? Why does there seem to be more continuity in east Asian history than in other parts of the world?

ASSIGNMENT 4: Key Concepts and Terms
Directions: Create note cards for the following topics. Explain their contribution to world history.

Shang Dynasty

Zhou Dynasty

Mandate of Heaven

Oracle bones

Xia

Vassals
Yellow River
Warring States
Book of Songs
Yangtze River