TRA: Lesson - China: Changing Dynasties
China: Changing Dynasties
The End of the Zhou Dynasty
The Zhou Dynasty in modern-day China lasted for eight centuries and affected more people over a greater expanse of land than the empires of southwest Asia (the Middle East) and the Mediterranean combined. Based on the Mandate of Heaven doctrine, the monarchy passed on to roughly 39 kings, usually father-to-son, during that time. But it wasn't always smooth going. For example, there were over five hundred battles fought between the states of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty along with approximately 100 civil wars within the individual states themselves. This became known as the Warring States Period. Unsurprisingly, some people questioned why humans acted this way.
Philosophy in China
There were 3 major philosophies that came from this era.
- Confucianism: Confucius argued that people behaved ethically because it was in their nature to do so. His students wrote down his ideas in a series known as The Analects. According to his students, Confucius taught about the basis of ethical action and relationships that promoted ethical action.
- Daoism: Daoism is a religion/philosophy that shunned rigid rites and social hierarchies in favor of doing nothing and accepting the world as it was. This philosophy was appealing when many ordinary people (who were drafted into the military or attacked and sometimes starved) wished their local leaders would do nothing rather than fight.
- Legalism: Legalism promoted the idea that people naturally tended towards evil and needed a strict, authoritarian leader to control their behavior.
The Warring States Period and the Rise of the Qin Dynasty
The state that most successfully navigated the Warring States Period was Qin because it grew its economy and food supplies. The Qin overthrew the Zhou Dynasty in 221 BCE. The Qin king renamed himself Shi Huangdi (which translates into First August Emperor). Shi Huangdi adopted Legalism to rule and banned contrary philosophies, especially Confucianism. Using Legalism as a guide, the Qin Dynasty proceeded to unite the warring states during its short lifespan—it only lasted fourteen years from 221 to 207 BCE.
His rule was harsh and designed to keep himself in power across the wide empire. He standardized the Chinese language, money, roads, and measurement lengths and weights. He joined several separate parts of the Great Wall of China together to keep out foreigners to the North. The wall and standardization also helped to culturally unite his people. However, he also imposed high taxes, waged war, and attacked his opponents (he even had some “criminals” buried alive). This ultimately led to rebellion. Before the rebellion ended, Shi Huangdi died (210 BCE). Ironically, legend says he died from drinking a potion to grant immortality.
Cultural Artifacts from the Qin Dynasty
Similar to the Egyptian pharaohs in their pyramids, Shi Huangdi was buried in a grand underground scaled model of China with rooms of luxury items, animals, and servants. You may have seen some of the “terra cotta warriors” that protect the inner part of the tomb.
| Qin Era Coins | Terra Cotta Warriors | Great Wall of China |
|---|---|---|
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