Classical China

Chapter 2

Pg. 38-54

Confucius:– “Let the emperor be emperor & the subject

subject.”

– “The relationship between superiors & inferiors is like that between the wind and the grass. The grass must bend when the wind blows across it.”

– “When people are educated, the distinction between classes disappears.”

– “The superior man…does not set his mind either for anything, or against anything; what is right he will follow.”

Patterns in Classical China

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1500BCE-1200BCE: Shang 1029BCE-700BCE: Zhou flourish

– Weak feudal gov; spread culture 700BCE-258BCE: Zhou in decline 402BCE-221BCE: Warring States 221BCE-202BCE: Qin

– Harsh legalist centralized activist gov 202BCE-220CE: Han

– Centralized trained Confucian bureaucracy; large & prosperous

Patterns in Classical China

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Patterns in Classical China

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terra cotta army of Shi Huangdi’s tomb

QUESTION SLIDEWhich dynasty do you think

was most influential in making China a world power? Why?

To what extent do the others deserve credit?

Political Institutions

1. Local – village leader, landlord class– regulate property & agriculture

2. Regional – appointed district officials– chosen by exam, fulfilled emperor’s wishes

3. Emperor – “Son of Heaven”– executive, legislative, judicial power

Government was active w/ broad functions but not in daily lives

Religion & Culture

Traditionally, philosophy focused on politics, obedience, balance

Three philosophies codified during chaos of Zhou decline & warring states

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Religion & Culture

Confucianism– Stressed order through good

government, hierarchy, personal virtue

– Society = hierarchical relationships Superiors (rulers, husbands, fathers):

virtuous & responsible leaders Subordinates (ruled, wives, children):

obedient, hard-working followers

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Religion & Culture

Legalism– pragmatic authoritarian discipline

Daoism– mystical & spiritual balance w/ nature

Art & literature– focused on precision

Science & math– focused on practical applications

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Economy & Society

Family focus & extreme distinctions b/t classes common in classical China– Extreme patriarchy– Upper-class = landlords, bureaucrats– Lower-class = peasants, artisans

Subsistence Ag = focus of economy– But technological superiority allowed for

impressive internal trade, manufacturing, urbanization

How Chinese Society Fits

Isolation led to distinctive identity & unusually well-integrated government, philosophy, economy, family

Exceptions:– Importation of Buddhism– Daoism & Legalism offer philosophical

diversity, cultural tension

Global Connections

Strength of Chinese philosophy, peasants & population led to world superpower status– Politically

– Technologically

– Economically

– Culturally

QUESTION SLIDE

Based on what you know, what characteristics of classical China still show themselves in today in Chinese culture?