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The Dynastic Cycle in Chinese History: From Zhou to Han

This chapter explores the cyclical nature of dynastic rule in ancient China, highlighting the rise and fall of dynasties like the Zhou, Qin, and Han. Beginning with the vigor of new rulers and strong communities, it discusses how dynasties weaken over time due to declining tax revenues, social divisions, and internal rebellions. The Zhou Dynasty's feudal structure and the philosophical contributions of Confucius lead to the more centralized yet oppressive Qin Dynasty. Finally, it examines the Han Dynasty's attempts to bring stability and prosperity before entering a chaotic period of decline.

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The Dynastic Cycle in Chinese History: From Zhou to Han

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  1. Chapter 2: China AP World History

  2. The Dynastic Cycle • A family of Kings would start its rule with great vigor. • Develop strong community • Active economy • Dynasty grows weaker, tax revenues decline • Social divisions increased • Internal rebellions • Invasions • Another Dynasty emerges, usually from the family of a successful general, invader, or peasant rebel. • Pattern starts anew…

  3. Zhou Dynasty • Lasted from 1029-258 BCE • Flourished only until about 700 BCE • Replaces the RVC of the Shang • Never really develops a strong central government…regional alliances • Feudal • Rulers depend on a network of loyalties and obligations to and from their landlord vassals. • Power is LOST when the regional aristocrats solidify their own powerbase, ignoring the central government.

  4. Zhou Dynasty

  5. Zhou Dynasty • Usually divided into two time periods, Western, then Eastern. • Eastern is more Feudal • Developed and maintained China’s “core” territory from the Huanghe to the Yangtze, referred to as the “Middle Kingdom.” • Wheat grown in the north, Rice in the south • Zhou rulers use the mandate of heaven to claim right to rule from the Shang • Promote the unity of Mandarin Chinese

  6. Confucius • Late 6th and early 5th century BCE saw the rise of Confucius’ philosophy…a complex set of political ethics which would become the core of Chinese philosophy. • The Era of Warring States: • 402 BCE to 201 BCE

  7. Qin Dynasty • Qin Shi Huangdi, or First Emperor takes control of China. • He was a regional ruler during Warring States • Deposes the final Zhou Emperor • Brutal Ruler (but effective) • Problem lay with the power of Chinese Aristocracy (land owners, etc.)

  8. Qin Dynasty • He ordered nobles to his palace and took control of their estates. • Control as far as Hong Kong and influenced the development of Vietnam • Orders a National Census • Data for tax revenues • Standardizes weights/measures and coinage • Even the length of axles on carts • Promoted Agriculture/irrigation/manufacturing (silk) • Burned books…thinking was subversive to his autocratic rule

  9. Qin Dynasty • Builds Great Wall of China (does most work on it) • 3000 Miles • The top is wide enough for carts

  10. Qin Dynasty • Somewhat short-lived • High taxes • Legalism: singular punishment for most crimes • When the Emperor died in 210 BCE, massive revolts broke out by aggrieved peasants

  11. Tomb of Shi Huangdi

  12. Han Dynasty • Kept the Centralized rule of the Qin, but sought to reduce the oppression • Expands Chinese territory into Korea, Indochina, and central Asia • Conducted trade with Parthian Empire in the Middle East, through which the Chinese traded with the Romans

  13. Han Dynasty • Most Famous ruler…Wu Ti (Wudi) rules from 140-87 BCE • Encouraged peace within the empire • Brought prosperity to China

  14. Han Dynasty • Seen as a “Golden Age” of Chinese Culture and development • Government was linked to formal Confucian training • Urged support for Confucianism (unlike Qin) • Quality of Han rule declines after about two centuries • Central control weakens • Nomads…the Huns threaten China’s borders • 220-589 CE: China was in a state of Chaos

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