History of ChinaFrom Dynasty to Republic

Early Dynasty’s Centuries before B.C., many bloodline

driven dynasty’s ruled over China. The powers of a Dynasty came from your family background.

First of the Dynasty’s, lasting almost 14 generations, was the Xia Dynasty. Created by King Yu, a legendary ruler.

… These early Dynasty’s setup the

overall platform on how china ran. Yellow Lord (Huang Di), invented the

key features of civilization—agriculture, the family, silk, boats, carts, bows and arrows, and the calendar

The Shang Dynasty ruled China from around 1500 B.C. until 1100 B.C. During this 400 year period of history, Chinese tradition states that 30 separate kings ruled from a succession of 7 different capitals. Only a few of these

capitals have been located and excavated by archeologists. The last capital from which this dynasty ruled was located in 1899, and was the first Shang

The Shang Dynasty ruled China from around 1500 B.C. until 1100 B.C. During this 400 year period of history, Chinese tradition states that 30 separate

kings ruled from a succession of 7 different capitals.

Only a few of these capitals have been located and excavated by archeologists. The last capital from which this dynasty ruled was located in

1899, and was the first capital to be found and studied.One of the most important contributions made during the period that the

Shang Dynasty ruled China was the invention of writing. The earliest written records found in China come from this time period.

Zhou Dynasty overtakes… The Zhou Dynasty conquers the Shang Dynasty. Bringing on a

period in which the Chinese witnessed various social and economic advances.

The use of iron-tipped, ox-drawn plows and improved irrigation techniques produced higher agricultural yields. This in turn supported a steady population increase.

Other economic advances included the circulation of coins for money, the beginning of private ownership of land, and the growth of cities.

Military technology also advanced. The Zhou developed the crossbow and methods of siege warfare, and adopted cavalry warfare from nomads to the north.

Social changes were just as important, particularly the breakdown of old class barriers and the development of conscripted infantry armies

Intellectual insight After brute force wasn’t enough anymore, to maintain

and increase power, state rulers sought the advice of teachers and strategists.

Confucius, (Kongfuzi) revered tradition and encouraged his disciples to master historical records, music, poetry, and ritual. He tried in vain to gain high office, traveling from state to state with his disciples in search of a ruler who would employ him. Confucius talked repeatedly of his vision of a more perfect society in which rulers and subjects, nobles and commoners, parents and children, and men and women would wholeheartedly accept the parts assigned to them, devoting themselves to their responsibilities to others.

Great Philosophers

Mencius

xunzi

Confucius

Qin and Han Qin Shihuangdi, King who labels himself the first

Chinese “Emperor” Even after conquering all the Zhou states, Qin

Shihuangdi took aggressive measures to secure and expand the size of his territories

After the Death of Qin, the Han Dynasty takes over and employs men of the Confucius virtues again.

Han Ruler, Wudi, joined with old Qin Dynasty to keep a nomadic tribe from overtaking Northern China, but ultimately the Han Dynasty maintained control over China.

Expansion Establishing a historical writing

system was an important intellectual accomplishment, as well as the transition of China in mercantilism.

Due to the Han Dynasty, the economy grows rapidly and the population reaches 58 million by 2 A.D.

3 Warlords: 3 Kingdoms When the economy was growing To generate revenue to pay

for his military campaigns, Wudi manipulated coinage, confiscated the lands of nobles, sold offices and titles, and increased taxes. He established government monopolies in the production of iron, salt, and liquor.

The Wang Mang takes over and he renamed offices, asserted state ownership of forests and swamps, built ritual halls, revived public granaries, outlawed slavery, limited land holdings, and reduced court expenses. Some of his policies, such as issuing new coins and nationalizing gold, led to economic turmoil.

This turmoil led to a stalemate of three warlords that claimed themselves rulers, which began the Three Kingdoms Period (220-265).

From prospering to turmoil..

Despite the political instability of the successive dynasties, the southern economy prospered.

In the north, none of the states established by non-Chinese lasted very long until the Xianbei tribe founded the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534). By 420 the Xianbei had secured control. During the 5th century, the Xianbei adopted a series of policies designed to strengthen the state.

The population within the Northern Wei realm contained considerably more Chinese than Xianbei. Recognizing this, the Xianbei rulers employed Chinese officials, adopted Chinese-style clothing and customs at court, and made Chinese the official language.

Xianbei tribesmen, however, still formed the main military force. They resented the growth of Chinese influence and rebelled in 524, sparking a decade of constant warfare. For the next 50 years, North China was torn apart by struggles between different contenders for power.

Rise of Buddhism During the next three centuries, the

Chinese encountered a great variety of ideas and practices identified as Buddhist. Buddhism differed markedly from earlier Chinese religions and philosophies. A universal religion, it embraced all people, regardless of their ethnicity or social status

Buddhism

New Trade, New religions With commerce and trade from

surrounding countries, a rise of different religions flow into china.

Christianity being one of these religions. Missionaries came to trade goods and knowledge.

The Missionaries took a deep respect for Chinese culture and religion.

Tang Dynasty 2 monarchs and one emperor rule

with Buddhism flowing through daily life. China flourishes for a while…

Until other generals wanting control starts the downfall of the Tang Dynasty.

Outside religion begins prosecution of Buddhism by the weak ruler.

manchus Foreign conqueror's that overtook

Chinese rule and setup a centralized government

Limited trade with other countries and gave all power to a council, under emperor supervision.

Leads to a prosperous China, but failed due to overpopulation

Which leads to internal wars within China.

Leading to modern China After allies and merging connections with

China go independent because of lack of security, the Imperial China is over.

China is forced to let the Military and a single President run the country. China turns into a republic.

Yuan Shikai, becomes first President, a top general powerful enough to handle the responsibility.

http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761573055_19/China.html