Qin and Han Dynasties

Mandate of Heaven

Mandate of Heaven – belief that rulers were in charge because the gods had given them the right to rule It was not permanent!

What could cause someone to lose Mandate of Heaven?

Dynastic Cycle

Rulers in charge because gods favored them

If rulers abused power or ignored their people, they lose Mandate of Heaven New rulers would

overthrow them

Period of Warring States

From 475 to 221 BC, no stable government in China

Warlords fought each other for control Very bloody and chaotic

What could bring an end to this violence?

Qin Dynasty

Period of Warring States ends because of strong leader – Shi Huangdi

Shi Huangdi conquered all of the warring states, made into one united empire

Forced nobles to live in capital so he could keep an eye on them

Legalism – Shi Huangdi

Philosophy of Qin Dynasty was Legalism

Legalism – incredibly strict philosophy that keeps order through strict laws and stricter punishments “The nature of man is evil. His

goodness is acquired.” “The ruler alone possesses power,

wielding it like lightning or thunder.”

Goal of Legalism was to “strengthen the tree and weaken the branches” – what does this mean?

Accomplishments

Great Wall of China – Shi Huangdi ordered a massive wall built to keep out invaders Most of the workers on it

were being punished for crimes. Working on the Great Wall was basically a death sentence

Terra Cotta Army – to protect his tomb, Shi Huangdi ordered 8,000 statue soldiers to be built. He believed he was taking them into the afterlife with him.

Han Dynasty

People angry with harsh treatment of Qin Dynasty, revolted in 206 BC Han Dynasty takes over

Ruled their empire using Confucianism Civil service exams – tests people

had to take before they were given government jobs

Han Dynasty built roads and canals to unite their empire

Expanded their territory – known as expansionism

Lasts for 400 years – collapses for similar reasons as the Roman Empire Heavy taxes Over-expansion – couldn’t maintain

or protect lands Lousy rulers

Confucianism

Main philosophy of Han Dynasty

Confucianism founded by Confucius A teacher who believed

that when people understood their place in society, harmony was achieved

Filial Piety – respect for elders (#1 priority of Confucianism)

Encouraged education, especially for rulers