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?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a bureaucracy?
Signup and view all the answers
What did the Zhou king copy from the Shang rulers?
Signup and view all the answers
Who helped the Zhou king rule over territories?
Signup and view all the answers
How did those who ruled over the territories get the right to rule?
Signup and view all the answers
Under Zhou rule, who was the link between heaven and earth?
Signup and view all the answers
What were the Zhou king's religious duties?
Signup and view all the answers
How did a man in the Zhou dynasty receive the Mandate of Heaven?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the two ways the Mandate of Heaven worked?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the only way the people could question the Mandate of Heaven?
Signup and view all the answers
What were some of the farming accomplishments of the Zhou dynasty?
Signup and view all the answers
What were the results of these farming accomplishments?
Signup and view all the answers
Under the Zhou, how far did they trade their silk?
Signup and view all the answers
Why did the Zhou dynasty weaken?
Signup and view all the answers
When did the period known as the Warring States begin in China?
Signup and view all the answers
How did the fighting change during the Warring States?
Signup and view all the answers
What weapons did the nobles use during the Warring States?
Signup and view all the answers
What did the Chinese invent that let soldiers ride horses?
Signup and view all the answers
Who became the new ruler over China in 221 B.C.?
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
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.