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1. Zhou (Chou) Dynasty
1076-221 BC
(pronounced Jo)
POLITICS
• Regional feudal states similar
to Shang
• Ruled as coordinators rather
than as a central govt.
• military force determined
strength of rulers
• Conflict led to decline into the
"Period of the Warring States"
(403-221 B.C.).
• Introduced Mandate of Heaven
Slideshow from www.advancedplacementhistory.com

3. Mandate of Heaven
• Principles:
– right to rule is granted by Heaven.
– only one Heaven so only one ruler in China.
– right to rule depends on the virtue of the ruler.
• Advantages:
– It gives the ruler supreme power politically and
religiously
– power kept in check by virtue.
• The Mandate of Heaven justifies rebellion
as long as the rebellion is successful.

4. The
Dynastic
Cycle
A new
dynasty
comes to power.
Lives of common
people improved;
taxes reduced;
farming encouraged.
Problems begin
(extensive wars,
invasions, etc.)
Taxes increase;
men forced to
work for army.
Farming neglected.
Govt. increases
spending;
corruption.
Droughts,
floods,
famines occur.
Poor lose
respect for govt.
They join rebels
& attack landlords.
Rebel bands find
strong leader who
unites them.
Attack the emperor.
Emperor is
defeated !!
The emperor
reforms the govt.
& makes it more
efficient.
Start here

5. Economy
• Iron age
– stronger and cheaper than bronze
– weapons strengthened Zhou army
• catapult
• creation of China’s first cavalry
• 90% of peasants lived on farms in family
compounds
• new iron tools increased harvest, food
surpluses
• Silk was their most important product
• Roads, canals allowed better
transportation, communication
• Introduced coins, use of chopsticks
• Population grew under Zhou
• Cities grew in size

6. Philosophy (Religion)
• At the end of the Zhou (403 BC-221BC), China
disintegrated into “the Warring States period” as
Zhou leaders lost control and states fought each
other
• 100 Schools Movement tried to bring stability to
China
• Confucianism
• Taoism and
• Legalism
• Are the resulting philosophies of life and govt

7. Basic beliefs
• Dualism – everything relates to everything
else and works best when in balance
(Yin/Yang)
• Harmony, cooperation, submission to the
larger group while allowing for individuality
• Heaven controls life on Earth and life
passes from parent to child. Because
each child receives life from its parents it
makes sense that the child should
“worship” his or her parents

8. Society
1. Emperor
2. Regional rulers
3. Farmers
4. Slaves
BUT,
Confucian ideals changed
this near the end of the
Zhou

10. Art
• Bronze work
• Tombs decorated for wealthy Hawk-shaped gold hat
ornament
(8th - 3rd century B.C.)