The Shang and Zhou Dynasties
E. Napp
Objective: To identify and describe the dynastic cycle, the Mandate of Heaven, and accomplishments during the Shang and Zhou dynasties
Do Now: Multiple-choice questions from previous lessons
1. • Preserved Hindu traditions• Produced fine poems and drama
• Made advances in mathematics, science, and medicine
These achievements refer to contributions of
(1) The Gupta Empire
(2) The Persian Empire
(3) The Greek city-states
(4) The Tang dynasty
2. The development of the concept of zero, the use of a decimal system, and the Buddhist cave paintings at Ajanta are all achievements of the
(1) Inca Empire
(2) Gupta Empire
(3) Roman Republic
(4) Kingdom of Songhai
3. A similarity between Bantu migrations in Africa and migrations of the ancient Aryans into South Asia is that both moved
(1) across the Atlantic Ocean
(2) from rural lands to urban areas
(3) in search of additional food sources
(4) for religious freedom / 4. / • Hinduism was the dominant religion.
• Murals were painted on the Ajanta cave walls.
• The concept of zero and the decimal system were introduced.
Which empire is described by these statements?
(1) Gupta
(2) Maurya
(3) Persian
(4) British
5. The Age of Pericles in Athens, the Gupta Empire in India, and the Tang dynasty in China all experienced a golden age with
(1) advancements in the principles of democratic governments
(2) outstanding contributions in the arts and sciences
(3) the end of foreign domination
(4) the furthest expansion of their borders
Cornell Notes Outline: The Shang and Zhou Dynasties (Add Key Words and Summaries)
The Key Words: / The Notes:I. Shang Dynasty (1766 B.C. – 1050 B.C.)
A. China’s first dynasty
1- according to archaeologists
B. developed in Huang He river valley
C. many accomplishments
1- writing
2- jewelry of wood, ivory, and jade
3- artisans used bronze
D. believed ruler’s power from Heaven
E. conquered by Zhou
II. Zhou Dynasty (1027 B.C. – 221 B.C.)
A. Claimed Mandate of Heaven
1- gods chose ruler but could remove corrupt or ineffective ruler
2- led to many dynasties
a) dynastic cycle
B. Weakened by 771 B.C.
1- warring states
2- time of disorder
3- new philosophies developed in an attempt to restore order
C. Confucianism (founded by Confucius)
1- important Chinese philosophy
a) Importance of order to maintain peace
b) inferiors must obey superiors
c) people must know and do what is expected of them
d) Five Relationships: Emperor-subject, Father-son, Husband-wife, Elder brother-younger brother, Friend-friend
a. Daoism (Taoism)…(founded by Lao-zi)
1- live in harmony with nature
2- act naturally
The Summaries:
Please read the passage below and answer the questions:
A family that rules a country for a long period of time is called a dynasty. There were many dynasties in Chinese history. The first dynasty of China was the Shang dynasty. Most people in Shang China were farmers. Chinese civilization began in the Yellow River Valley (The Chinese call this river the Huang He River.) Chinese craftsmen or artisans made beautiful jewelry out of wood, ivory, and jade. Artisans also used bronze. The Chinese developed writing during the Shang dynasty. There are over 3,000 characters in Chinese writing. The Shang dynasty lasted over 500 years (1766 B.C.-1050 B.C.).
The next dynasty of China was the Zhou dynasty. It lasted from 1027 B.C. – 221 B.C. The Zhou conquered the Shang. Since most ancient Chinese believed that their ruler was chosen by the gods in Heaven, and that Heaven could overthrow a bad ruler, the Chinese believed that the Zhou were chosen to rule. They believed that the Zhou had the Mandate of Heaven or the right to rule. The Zhou dynasty lasted a very long time but towards the end of the Zhou dynasty, there was a great deal of fighting in China. During this time of fighting, two important Chinese philosophies developed: Confucianism and Daoism. Confucianism was founded by Confucius. He believed that it was important to preserve the social order. Therefore, people had to do what they were supposed to do. Daoism was founded by Lao-zi. He believed that people should live in harmony, respect nature, and act according to their true natures.
Questions:
List three important facts about the Shang dynasty: ______
List three important facts about the Zhou dynasty:
______
Define the following terms: Dynasty and Mandate of Heaven
______
Multiple-Choice Questions:
1. Which belief is most closely associated with the philosophy of Confucianism?(1) nirvana
(2) reincarnation
(3) prayer
(4) filial piety (sons obey fathers)
2. The Indus and Huang He (Yellow) rivers are both closely associated with
(1) border disputes
(2) sacred biblical sites
(3) cradles of early civilization
(4) oil discoveries / 3. Confucianism had a strong impact on the development of China mainly because this philosophy
(1) established a basic structure for military rule
(2) provided a basis for social order
(3) contained the framework for a communist government
(4) stressed the importance of the individual
Questions:
1: What does the new dynasty receive? ______
2: What happens during the dynasty’s peak? ______
3: What follows the dynasty’s peak? ______
4: There is an expression: “What goes up must come down.” The dynastic cycle seems to be an example of this expression. Why do you think a dynasty rises and falls? What do you think happens that leads to a dynasty falling? ______
5: Do you think it is possible for a dynasty not to fall victim to the dynastic cycle? Explain your answer. ______
6: Define “Mandate of Heaven”: ______