<aside> ☝ From this lesson, you must know…
China has a rich and ancient history, dating back thousands of years. It is widely regarded as the world's oldest, continuous civilization, with a unique cultural identity that has evolved and transformed over time. Despite significant changes and upheavals throughout the centuries, China remains an influential global power with a rich legacy of art, literature, philosophy, and science. From the ancient dynasties and the construction of the Great Wall to the modern-day economic powerhouse that is driving innovation and technological advancement, China has a complex and fascinating history that continues to shape the world today.
During the ancient times of China, the country experienced a significant number of rebellions, conspiracies, and political power struggles between different families vying for control of the land. These events often resulted in bloodshed and violence, further destabilizing the country.
China is a civilization that has a unique perspective when it comes to power and governance. In contrast to other civilizations, China has always seen dynasties as the central claim to power.
The reasons for China’s development of dynasties as separate independent governments, rather than a united empire, are:
Geographical Concentration of Power.
Ancient China’s poor geography only allowed for 10% of land to be suitable for farming.
Frequent Natural Disasters
Yellow River flooding was unpredictable & was called “China’s Sorrow” because its floods often destroyed entire villages.
Class Structure in Cities The class system was enforced in the physical space. Nobles lived in secure complexes, while the peasantry outside their walls.
The Chinese emperor's right to rule was believed to be bestowed upon him by a divine force or god. This divine right was a key aspect of the Mandate of Heaven, which was the belief that the ruler had a moral obligation to govern well and treat his subjects justly.
It was believed that if a ruler failed to do so, he would lose the Mandate, and his rule would be considered illegitimate. This led to the dynastic cycle, where a new dynasty would replace the previous one, as the new ruler was believed to have earned the Mandate through his virtuous actions. The concept of the Mandate of Heaven was thus a crucial aspect of Chinese political and social life, shaping the way rulers governed and how their subjects viewed their rule.
Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical system that originated in ancient China. It is based on the teachings of Confucius and his followers, who emphasized the importance of personal morality, social order, and good governance. Confucianism stresses the importance of education, ritual, and tradition, and it has had a profound impact on Chinese culture and society. Some key concepts in Confucianism include the importance of filial piety, the concept of ren (benevolence or humaneness), and the importance of maintaining social harmony and balance.
<aside> ☝ Filial piety is a Confucian concept that refers to the virtue of respect for one's parents and ancestors. It includes the duties of children to care for their parents in old age and to carry on the family lineage.
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The Ancient Chinese had a unique belief system which diverged from many of the other civilizations we have studied. They held a strong belief in ancestor worship, where the spirits of deceased family members were revered and consulted - rather than developing a pantheon of supernatural gods. This practice was so deeply ingrained in Chinese culture that it still persists in modern times.
China has a rich history that has contributed significantly to the world we know today.
One of the notable achievements of China is the Grand Canal, an impressive man-made waterway that stretches over 1,000 miles. This canal has played a significant role in the transportation and communication of goods and people in China for centuries.