Geography and Dynasties ANCIENT CHINA China is the

Geography and Dynasties ANCIENT CHINA

China is the 4 th largest country in the world today Most populated country in the world today.

Geography of China Geographic features isolated China. Mountain chains and deserts separated China from the rest of Asia. Caused isolation The Himalayas separate India from China. The Gobi desert lies in the north. Long Rivers flow throughout China

Major Geographical Features

Himalaya Mountains and Tibetan Plateau separated China

The Gobi desert stretches for miles along the border of Mongolia and China.

Isolation China’s isolation helped it develop its own unique culture. However, Chinese ideas and practices influenced other cultures. Many Asian cultures were influenced by China’s culture. Cultural diffusion occurred.

Rivers China has many important rivers. The Huang He or Yellow river floods and is called “China’s Sorrow”. Silt causes water to have yellowish color The Yangtze river is China’s longest and most important river. It is used for transportation.

The Huang He river is rich in silt. The silt is yellow in color.

The Yangtze river is the longest river in Asia and the third longest river in the world.

Great Wall of China Ancient Chinese rulers built the Great Wall of China to protect China from invasions from Mongols Many Chinese died building the vast wall. This defensive wall was built on the northern border between China and Mongolia

The Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China

The first Chinese dynasty was the Shang dynasty

Shang Dynasty • The Shang dynasty emerged around 1760 B. C. • 1. It built the first Chinese cities. • 2. Developed a system of writing • 3. king appointed rulers to rule far off lands • 4. agriculture society • 5. created calendar, monetary system

Zhou Dynasty 1. ruled by Mandate of Heaven – gods supported a just ruler 2. dynastic cycle – rise and fall of dynasties 3. iron the backbone of Zhou dynasty 4. population grew 5. intro’d chopsticks

Mandate of Heaven and Dynastic Cycle Established during Zhou Dynasty Gave kings and rulers “divine right” to rule Dynastic Cycle; the rise and fall of dynasties in China Dynasty; long lasting rule by one single Chinese family

Other Chinese Dynasties

New Philosophies 1. Confucianism Based on teachings of Confucius Taught respect for tradition & ancestors would create stable society Duty of educated people to devote themselves to public service 2. Daoism Encourages obey laws of nature, not society Finding one’s place in nature Yin/yang -- balance

Present Day China Communist Government People’s Republic of China Mao Zedong brought Communism to China Formed People’s Republic of China in 1921