Transcript Chapter 3 Ancient India and China 2600 BCE – CE 550

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:
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


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
(p 103 – 106)

What did Gao Zu do
to restore order and
justice in China?
◦ Lowered taxes
◦ Eased legalist
policies
◦ Appointed
Confucian scholars
as advisors
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
(p 103 – 106)

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?
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

Scenes from ancient China,
the origin of the 'Yin and
Yang of Diabetes', and all
Chinese medicine. (China
Photos/Getty Images)
Why was the Han period
considered a golden age
of Chinese civilization?
◦ 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?