Chapter 3Chapter 3Ancient India and ChinaAncient India and China2600 BCE – CE 5502600 BCE – CE 5503.5 Strong Rulers Unite China (p 101 – 107)

Focus QuestionFocus QuestionHow did powerful emperors unite much of China and bring about a golden age of cultural achievements?

Shi Huangdi Unifies ChinaShi Huangdi Unifies China(p 101 – 102)(p 101 – 102)

What is a classical civilization?◦Sets patterns that serve as models

for later cultures: Government Philosophy Religion Science Arts

Shi Huangdi Unifies Shi Huangdi Unifies ChinaChina(p 101 – 102)(p 101 – 102)

How did Shi Huangdi impose allegiance to a central government?◦ Abolished feudalism◦ Replaced feudal

states with military districts run by loyal officials

◦ Gave nobles’ land to peasants

◦ Forced noble families to live at court

Shi Huangdi Unifies Shi Huangdi Unifies ChinaChina(p 101 – 102)(p 101 – 102)

How does legalism differ from Confucianism?◦ Confucianism

Focuses on the good in people

Expects leaders to rule righteously to keep social order

◦ Legalism Rulers must achieve

order through strict, harsh laws

Checkpoint!Checkpoint!What kind of government did Legalists favor?

The Han Dynasty The Han Dynasty Strengthens China Strengthens China (p 103 – 106)(p 103 – 106)

What sorts of written items from a civilization might be compiled?◦ Poems, stories,

letters, teachings How might such

compilations help historians better understand an ancient civilization?◦ Provides examples of

writings in a single collection

◦ Easily compared/contrasted

The Han Dynasty The Han Dynasty Strengthens China Strengthens China (p 103 – 106)(p 103 – 106)

What did Gao Zu do to restore order and justice in China?◦ Lowered taxes◦ Eased legalist

policies◦ Appointed

Confucian scholars as advisors

The Han Dynasty The Han Dynasty Strengthens China Strengthens China (p 103 – 106)(p 103 – 106)

How did emperor Wudi’s policy of expansionism and the creation of the Silk Road affect China and other areas of Asia?◦ Spread Chinese

influence across many areas of Asia - expansionism

◦ Silk Road expanded trade between China and out lying regions

"En Route Silk-Road", Taklimakan Desert, Xinjiang, China

The Han Dynasty The Han Dynasty Strengthens China Strengthens China (p 103 – 106)(p 103 – 106)

How did the civil service system reflect the ideas of Confucianism?◦ Allowed people to win

jobs by merit – not family connection

◦ Required civil servants to be well educated in Confucian teachings

How did the overthrow of the Han reflect the dynastic cycle?

Checkpoint!Checkpoint!How did Han emperors further economic growth?

Achievements of the Achievements of the Han Golden Age Han Golden Age (p 106 – 107)(p 106 – 107)

How long did the system of government established in Han China last?◦ Until 1912

Why was the Han period considered a golden age of Chinese civilization?◦ Many advances and

achievements in science, medicine, technology and arts

Scenes from ancient China, the origin of the 'Yin and

Yang of Diabetes', and all Chinese medicine. (China

Photos/Getty Images)

Checkpoint!Checkpoint!What sorts of achievements made the Han period a golden age?

The Chinese Accept The Chinese Accept Buddhism Buddhism (p 107)(p 107)

Why do you think the philosophies of Confucianism and Daoism were able to be absorbed into Buddhism in China?◦ Buddhism

emphasizes some of the same ideas: treating others well and respecting the natural world

A Confucian (left), a Buddhist (centre), and a Daoist, painting of a tranquil discussion that exemplifies the peaceful coexistence of the “three ways” in

China. The figures are ideal types representing each faith.

Checkpoint!Checkpoint!Why did Buddhism appeal to many people in China?

Focus QuestionFocus QuestionHow did powerful emperors unite much of China and bring about a golden age of cultural achievements?