Paper Topic:

Traditional China

A1

The Shang Dynasty

The Shang dynasty ruled from 1700 to 1027 B .C . It was founded by a rebel leader , overthrowing the last ruler of Xia . The livelihood in this dynasty was mostly agriculture , hunting , and animal husbandry . It was in this dynasty that the writing system and bronze metallurgy flourished - evidences of civilization

The leadership at this time revolved around alliances . Kings were rulers of the most part of the north of China and their troops fought endless battles with neighboring settlements to conquer them and expand

alliance . Capital cities practiced court rituals for spirits as led by kings . Valuables as well as living servants are buried along with the corpse to prepare the dead for his after-life journey (Travel China 2006

The civilization exhibited by Shang 's art of writing and use of metal is remarkable , contributory to the long life of the dynasty . The alliance base was a boon and a detriment . As troops continued to fight for more conquests , the alliance expanded and empowered the dynasty . However with an alliance , the power of the ruler is divided among his alliances and control can be influenced by them

The Zhou Dynasty

It was a dictator which ended the Shang rule . The tyrant was overthrown by the leader of the Zhou tribe

Though of a different rule , the language and culture of Shang was revived in the Zhou dynasty (1027 to 221 B .C . This was enriched by the existence of philosophers who promoted the idea of heaven

The Zhou period was dubbed to be of feudal system where the rule is decentralized . Control was dependent on feudal bonds , but family also has an influence specifically the family of royalties . The feudal system of the Zhou went on through time but it eventually changed . A centralized government , with local units and organized functions came to power . This is the most probable reason why Zhou stood through years of leadership . It was only through a barbarian conquest which killed the king that the Zhou court 's rule ended . It moved to the east , resulting into a Western Zhou and the Eastern Zhou . The move reorganized the dynasty and contributed to its end (Ancient China , n .d

Unlike Shang whish ended in an overthrow , Zhou 's king was killed . This shows the power of the dynasty : only death ended it . Zhou was also superior to Shang in terms of the centralization of the government and the innovativeness of the rulers who adapted through changes in time making them the longest-ruling dynasty in history

The Warring States

The Eastern Zhou rule was further divided into two : Spring and Autumn and the Warring States . The Warring States was of an open rule characterized by chaos and lack of unity . Despite this , many teachings flourished including the yin-yang and the five elements . This was also the time when literature was deeply developed . These achievements helped dub the Warring States period as the golden age

Many movers of Chinese liberalism were advisers of...

7 pages

42.0 KB

Free sing-up