The history of Chinese civilization includes centuries-long periods of prosperity and stability interrupted by equally long periods of civil war and chaos. China’s earliest governments took the form of dynasties rather than empires or city-states. A dynasty is a kingdom that is controlled by a succession of rulers from the same family line. One dynasty usually held onto its power until a rival family managed to defeat it and take control for themselves.
China also had one of the earliest feudal systems in history. In a feudal system, political and economic power is held by wealthy landowners who demand payment from the peasantry (poor farmers) in exchange for military protection and permission to work the land.
This video provides a very broad overview of Chinese history, including the various dynasties that ruled from the Shang to the Han. As you watch, take notes on the dynasties that first ruled China. Click the Activity button below to download the worksheet The Eastern World.
The first Chinese dynasty was the Shang, founded around 1700 BCE when the Shang army conquered its neighbors and forged a kingdom. The Shang brought bronze-making to new heights. The last Shang king was overthrown in 1122 BCE by the Zhou family, which began a new dynasty. The Zhou introduced both feudalism and Confucian ethics to Chinese society. The Zhou dynasty fell in 403 BCE, but there was no new and powerful family to take its place, and the seven kingdoms of China entered a 200-year period of civil war and chaos called the Warring States Period. The Qin gained control in 221 BCE, and though this dynasty was brief—lasting just 25 years—its king unified China and declared himself the first emperor. The Qin gave their name to China. The Emperor Qin Shi Huang abolished feudalism, centralized the government, built roads and canals, standardized writing, and developed a code of law. The Qin also began the Great Wall to keep out invaders from the north. After the death of the first emperor in 210 BCE, the peasants rose up to overthrow the dynasty because of its harsh laws and heavy taxes. After four years of fighting, the Han arose. The Han governed according to Confucian principles. Over the course of their 400-year dynasty, they increased trade and accepted Taoism and Buddhism. By the end of the Han Dynasty in 220 CE, China was permanently unified as an empire.
Question
What were the four main dynasties of ancient China?
Question
What philosophy began to influence Chinese ways of life during the Zhou Dynasty--and still affects China today?
