Dynasties and the Mandate of Heaven What kind
- Slides: 6
Dynasties and the Mandate of Heaven
What kind of characteristics make up a good leader? Make a list of 5 things.
A sequence of rulers considered members of the same family. Typically at least three generations to qualify as a dynasty. What are some potential problems with dynasties? Dynasty
A traditional Chinese philosophical concept concerning the legitimacy of rulers. Based on 4 ideas: 1. The right to rule China is granted by Heaven. 2. There can be only one legitimate ruler of China. 3. The right to rule is based on the virtue of the ruler and his good performance as a steward for Heaven. 4. The right to rule may be passed down from father to son, but only on the conditions established above. Mandate of Heaven
Once the Mandate is lost, the will of Heaven towards a successor will only be known by the “working out of the imponderable force of events in human history. ” It acted as a spiritual ‘check’ on the fairness of a ruler.
Start here Emperor is defeated !! Rebel bands find strong leader who unites them. Attack the emperor. Poor lose respect for govt. They join rebels & attack landlords. A new dynasty comes to power. The emperor reforms the govt. & makes it more efficient. The Dynastic Cycle Droughts, floods, famines occur. 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.
