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Questions and Answers
What is the first dynasty of China?
What is the first dynasty of China?
What is the date range during which the Shang dynasty ruled?
What is the date range during which the Shang dynasty ruled?
1600-1046 BCE
What is the political system of the Shang dynasty?
What is the political system of the Shang dynasty?
Ruled by a king or wang with supreme power
What was the main economic activity of the Shang dynasty?
What was the main economic activity of the Shang dynasty?
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What were the religious beliefs of the Shang dynasty?
What were the religious beliefs of the Shang dynasty?
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What was the social hierarchy of the Shang dynasty?
What was the social hierarchy of the Shang dynasty?
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What technological innovations are associated with the Shang dynasty?
What technological innovations are associated with the Shang dynasty?
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What caused the downfall of the Shang dynasty?
What caused the downfall of the Shang dynasty?
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What is the Mandate of Heaven?
What is the Mandate of Heaven?
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What is the second dynasty to rule over China?
What is the second dynasty to rule over China?
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What were the dates of the Zhou dynasty's predominance?
What were the dates of the Zhou dynasty's predominance?
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What was the political system of the Zhou dynasty?
What was the political system of the Zhou dynasty?
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What was the economic system of the Zhou dynasty?
What was the economic system of the Zhou dynasty?
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What religious beliefs were introduced during the Zhou dynasty?
What religious beliefs were introduced during the Zhou dynasty?
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What was the social structure of the Zhou dynasty?
What was the social structure of the Zhou dynasty?
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What technological innovations were present in the Zhou dynasty?
What technological innovations were present in the Zhou dynasty?
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What led to the downfall of the Zhou dynasty?
What led to the downfall of the Zhou dynasty?
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What is the third dynasty to rule over China?
What is the third dynasty to rule over China?
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What were the dates of the Qin dynasty's rule?
What were the dates of the Qin dynasty's rule?
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What was the political structure of the Qin dynasty?
What was the political structure of the Qin dynasty?
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What were the ideals of Legalism in the Qin dynasty?
What were the ideals of Legalism in the Qin dynasty?
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Study Notes
Shang Dynasty
- First dynasty of China, ruling from 1600-1046 BCE.
- Governed by a king, called "wang," who held supreme political and religious power.
- Economy relied on peasants as laborers, agriculture (main income source), and trade, with silk being the primary export.
- Artisans produced weapons, jewelry, and ritual vessels.
- Religious beliefs included direct communication between the king and Heaven, worship of a supreme god, Di, and strong emphasis on ancestor worship.
- Social hierarchy ranked king and nobles at the top, followed by powerful warriors, with peasants at the bottom.
- Technological innovations included silk production, complex writing, bronze working, chariots, and an early calendar.
- The dynasty ended when the king was killed by Zhou rebels, who justified their rule using the Mandate of Heaven.
Mandate of Heaven
- Developed by the Zhou as a political and religious doctrine.
- Allows for the stripping of powers from a ruler deemed unjust, legitimizing rebellion.
Zhou Dynasty
- Second dynasty of China from 1046-256 BCE.
- Political system characterized by autocracy; kings were considered "Son of Heaven" and held supreme authority with the support of the Mandate of Heaven.
- Land distributed among nobles and allies in a feudal-like system, maintaining loyalty and profit-sharing.
- Economic base included agriculture, bronze, trade, and weapons, primarily with peasants executing labor.
- Religious beliefs transitioned from worship of Di to Tian (Heaven); introduced Confucianism and Daoism for social structure and ethical guidance.
- Social structure shifted power from the king to nobles over time, with peasants remaining at the bottom; included the yin/yang principle representing natural dualism.
- Technological advancements brought increased documentation and the use of iron technology.
- The dynasty's downfall originated from internal conflicts leading to the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States period.
Qin Dynasty
- Third dynasty of China ruling from 221 BCE to 220 CE.
- Established a centralized political structure.
- Implemented Legalism, enforcing strict laws and equal application of punishments across society, rejecting Confucian ideals as a threat to governmental authority.
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Description
Explore the significant aspects of the Shang dynasty with these flashcards. Learn about the first dynasty of China, its ruling period, and the political and economic systems in place. This quiz will enhance your understanding of early Chinese history.
