• After almost 800 years in power, the Zhou declined.

• As they declined, China broke into many smaller countries governed by warlords.

• The last few hundred years of the Zhou was characterized by turmoil during the Warring States Period.

• Born in 551 BC• Lived during the turmoil of the

Warring States Period.• Believed that society could be

ordered if rulers and subjects adhered to five basic relationships. For example:• Ruler (be just and wise)-

subject (be loyal and obedient)

• Father-children• Husband-Wife

Generally, he taught:

• Filial Piety (Respect for elders, parents)

• Politeness• Education

NOT a religionA code of ethics of how to live and how to govern

Ruler should practice kindness and wisdom, subjects should be loyal and law abiding

Lays foundation for Chinese bureaucracy. Government workers must be educated in Confucianism and good governance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlgLvENYJsk

• Laozi taught that natural rhythms are important

• Things in nature follow “the Dao” or “the Way.”• They do not seek

glory or to stand out, they are in harmony with it

• Taoism influenced China by emphasizing nature in art and science

• Circle represents unity of earth and heaven

• Light side is yin (earth, feminine, passive)

• Dark side is yang (heaven, masculine, active)

• Daoist (Taoist ) symbol

Shi Huangdi builds Qin Dynasty- China’s first EmperorHe centralizes government Forced laborHigh taxesOppressive- based

on legalism, emphasison law and order

Built Great WallOnly lasted 15 years

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srFhXDZhUZI

• Built to keep nomadic invaders from the North and West out of China

• Expanded to current size in 1500’s AD

After the Qin Dynasty fell, China erupted into civil warThe Han emerged as the most powerful dynasty and

expanded the empireBuddhism becomes a

big deal in China at this timeInstituted civil service

exams based on ConfucianismHighly organized

Bureaucracy (Mandarin)This civil service system

was used until 1911!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3qIXQCHf94

The Chinese invented the first paperPorcelain is a ceramic material made from

clay and fired at a very high temperature. This makes porcelain very strong and usually glassy in appearance. Porcelain is often called “China.”

WaterclocksCompassGunpowder

Silk is made from the silk worm. It was an incredibly labor intensive process. But, it is strong, lightweight, and beautiful.

People all over the world traded for Chinese silk fabricsSo important for export that the trade

route that connects China to the Mediterranean is called the Silk Road