Chapter 3 Ancient India and China 2600 BCE

Chapter 3 Ancient India and China 2600 BCE – CE 550 3. 5 Strong Rulers Unite China (p 101 – 107)

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

Shi Huangdi Unifies China (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 China (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 China (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! What kind of government did Legalists favor?

The Han Dynasty Strengthens China (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 Strengthens China What did Gao Zu do to restore order and justice in China? ◦ Lowered taxes ◦ Eased legalist policies ◦ Appointed Confucian scholars as advisors (p 103 – 106)

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

Checkpoint! How did Han emperors further economic growth?

Achievements of the Han Golden Age (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? Scenes from ancient China, the origin of the 'Yin and Yang of Diabetes', and all Chinese medicine. (China Photos/Getty Images) ◦ Many advances and achievements in science, medicine, technology and arts

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

The Chinese Accept Buddhism (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! Why did Buddhism appeal to many people in China?

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