The Zhou Dynasty Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who led a rebellion against the Shang?

An aristocrat named Wu Wang.

When did the rebellion against the Shang take place?

In 1045 B.C.

How long did the Zhou rule?

For more than 800 years.

What gave the Zhou rulers the right to rule?

A heavenly law. Signup and view all the answers

What is a bureaucracy?

A system made up of appointed officials responsible for different areas of government. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Zhou king copy from the Shang rulers?

The Zhou king was in charge of defending the kingdom. Signup and view all the answers

Who helped the Zhou king rule over territories?

Aristocrats they trusted. Signup and view all the answers

How did those who ruled over the territories get the right to rule?

Their positions were hereditary. Signup and view all the answers

Under Zhou rule, who was the link between heaven and earth?

The king. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Zhou king's religious duties?

To carry out religious rituals. Signup and view all the answers

How did a man in the Zhou dynasty receive the Mandate of Heaven?

He was chosen by heavenly order because of his talent and virtue. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two ways the Mandate of Heaven worked?

The king must rule according to the Dao and maintain order; if not, he could lose the Mandate. Signup and view all the answers

What was the only way the people could question the Mandate of Heaven?

By overthrowing the dynasty. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the farming accomplishments of the Zhou dynasty?

Development of irrigation and flood-control systems, and improvements in farming tools. Signup and view all the answers

What were the results of these farming accomplishments?

The amount of crops harvested increased and population grew due to food surplus. Signup and view all the answers

Under the Zhou, how far did they trade their silk?

Through Central Asia to as far as Greece. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Zhou dynasty weaken?

Local rulers became powerful and stopped obeying the Zhou kings. Signup and view all the answers

When did the period known as the Warring States begin in China?

In 403 B.C. Signup and view all the answers

How did the fighting change during the Warring States?

The Chinese invented the saddle and stirrup, allowing better mounted combat. Signup and view all the answers

What weapons did the nobles use during the Warring States?

Swords, spears, and crossbows. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Chinese invent that let soldiers ride horses?

A saddle and stirrup. Signup and view all the answers

Who became the new ruler over China in 221 B.C.?

The ruler of Qin. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Zhou Dynasty Overview

Wu Wang led a rebellion against the Shang dynasty in 1045 B.C.
The Zhou dynasty ruled for over 800 years, marking a significant period in Chinese history.
Zhou kings derived their power from a concept of heavenly law, legitimizing their rule.

Government Structure

Bureaucracy was established, consisting of appointed officials responsible for various government functions.
Zhou kings adopted governmental practices from Shang rulers, focusing on kingdom defense.
Aristocrats were entrusted with leadership over territories, creating a hierarchical governance structure.

Mandate of Heaven

The king acted as a crucial link between heaven and earth according to Chinese belief.
Religious duties included performing rituals to maintain divine favor.
The Mandate of Heaven relied on the king's talent and virtue, which legitimized their rule.

Role of the People

The Mandate of Heaven set expectations for the king to rule righteously; failures could signify a loss of divine approval.
Overthrowing a dynasty was the only means for the populace to challenge the Mandate of Heaven.

Agricultural Innovations

The Zhou dynasty saw advancements in irrigation and flood control systems, enhancing agricultural productivity.
Improvements in farming tools contributed to increased crop yields and population growth due to food surplus.

Trade Expansion

The Zhou dynasty expanded silk trade routes through Central Asia, reaching as far as Greece, indicating robust trade relations.

Decline of the Zhou Dynasty

Over time, local rulers gained power and autonomy, leading to a decline in loyalty to the Zhou kings.
The period of the Warring States began in 403 B.C. as a result of fragmented governance.

Military Developments

During the Warring States, innovations like the saddle and stirrup allowed soldiers to effectively use weapons while mounted.
Nobles’ armies utilized swords, spears, and crossbows, indicating advancements in military technology and strategy.

Unification of China

In 221 B.C., the ruler of Qin became the new ruler over China, marking the end of the fragmented Warring States period.

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Test your knowledge about the Zhou Dynasty with these flashcards. Learn about key figures, events, and the duration of their rule. Perfect for history enthusiasts and students alike.