California Standards

History-Social Science
6.6 Students analyze the geographic, political, economic, reli-
gious, and social structures of the early civilizations of China.

English-Language Arts
Speaking 6.2.2 Deliver informative presentations.
Reading 6.2.4 Clarify understanding by summarizing.

Oral Presentation In this chapter you will read about

China's fascinating early years. Choose one person or event
from that history. You will then tell your classmates why the
person or event was important to the history of China.

c. 1500s BC
The Shang
dynasty is
CHAPTER established
EVENTS in China.

WORLD
EVENTS c. 1480
BC
Queen
Hatshepsut
rules Egypt.
 205 BC
221 BC The Han
1100s BC Shi Huangdi dynasty
The Zhou Confucius unites China begins
dynasty is born under the its rule of
begins. in China. Qin dynasty. China.

c. 500 BC
Solomon Buddhism The overland
becomes begins to Silk Road connects
king of the emerge in China and
Israelites. India. Southwest Asia .

ANCIENT CHINA 179

Focus on Themes This chapter will describe also see how the Chinese, influenced by the
the early development of China-how Chinese philosopher Confucius, established traditions such
civilization began and took shape under early as the importance of families. They also encouraged
dynasties. You will see how these dynasties art and learning, helping to shape the society and
controlled the government and politics. You will culture that would last for centuries in China.

Summarizing ·storical Texts

Focus on Reading When you are reading a history book, how Additional
reading support
can you be sure that you understand everything? One way is to briefly can be found in the
restate what you've read in a summary.
Writing a Summary A summary is a short restatement of the most '-er~-­
important ideas in a text. The example below shows three steps used in ~
writing a summary. First identify important details. Then write a short Reader and
Study Guide
summary of each paragraph. Finally, combine these paragraph summa-
ries into a short summary of the whole passage.

The first dynasty for which we have clear

evidence is the Shang, which was firmly Summary of Paragraph 1
established by the 1500s BC. Strongest in the China's first dynasty, the Shang,
Huang He Valley, the Shang ruled a broad took power in northern China in
area of northern China. Shang rulers moved the 1500s BC.

their capital several times, probably to avoid

floods or attack by enemies.
The king was at the center of Shang
political and religious life. Nobles served the
Summary of Paragraph 2
king as advisors and helped him rule. Less :- - . 1 Shang politics and religion were
important officials were also nobles. They run by the king and nobles.
performed specific governmental and reli-
gious duties.

Combined Summary
The Shang dynasty, which ruled
northern China by the 1500s BC,
was governed by a king and
nobles.

180 CHAPTER 7
 Chapter 7
You Try It!
Section 1
The following passage is from the chapter you are about to read. As jade {p. 185)
you read it, think about what you would include in a summary. oracle (p. 186)

Section 2
Early Settlements lords (p. 189)
peasants {p. 189)
Archaeologists have found remains of early From
Chapter 7
Confucius (p. 191)
Chinese villages. One village site near the
p. 184 ethics (p. 191)
Huang He had more than 40 houses. Many
Confucianism {p. 191)
of the houses were partly underground and Daoism (p. 192)
may have had straw-covered roofs. The site Laozi {p. 192)
also included animal pens, storage pits, and Legalism (p. 192)
a cemetery.
Some of the villages along the Huang He Section 3
grew into large towns. Walls surrounded these Shi Huangdi (p. 194)
towns to defend them against floods and hos- Great Wall (p. 197)
tile neighbors. In towns like these, the Chi- Section 4
nese left many artifacts, such as arrowheads, sundial (p. 204)
fishhooks, tools, and pottery. Some village seismograph (p. 204)
sites even contained pieces of cloth. acupuncture {p. 205)

Section 5
silk (p. 209)
After you read the passage, answer the following questions.
Silk Road (p. 209)
1. Read the following summaries and decide which one is the better diffusion (p. 211)
summary statement. Explain your answer.
a) Archaeologists have found out interesting things about the Academic Vocabulary
early settlements of China. For example, they have discovered that Success in school is related to
knowing academic vocabulary-
the Chinese had homes with straw-covered roofs, pens for their the words that are frequently used
animals, and even cemeteries. Also, they have found that larger in school assignments and discus-
sions. In this chapter, you will learn
villages were surrounded by walls for defense. Finally, they have the following academic words:
found tools like arrowheads and fishhooks.
vary (p. 183)
b) Archaeologists have found remains of early Chinese villages,
structure {p. 190)
some of which grew into large walled settlements. Artifacts found
innovation (p. 204)
there help us understand Chinese culture. procedure (p. 209)
2. What should be included in a good summary?

As you read Chapter 7, think about how

you would summarize the material you
are reading.

ANCIENT CHINA 181

 If YOU were there ...
l Main Ideas You live along a broad river in China in about 1400 BC. Your
1. China's physical geography grandfather is a farmer. He tells you wonderful stories about
made farming possible but
travel and communication an ancient king. Long ago, this legendary hero tamed the river's
difficult. raging floods. He even created new rivers. Without him, no one
2. Civilization began in China
along the Huang He and could farm or live in this rich land.
Chang Jiang rivers.
3. China's first dynasties Why is this legend important to your family?
helped Chinese society
develop and made many
other achievements.
¥&i'f¥\!JJ#ffi ~.,~4it@t~

t BUILDING BACKGROUND Like other river civilizations, the Chinese

l. The Big Idea people had to learn to control floods and irrigate their fields. China's
Chinese civilization began with geographical features divided the country into distinct regions.
the Shang dynasty along the ~

Huang He.

Key Terms
China's Physical Geography
jade, p. 185 Geography played a major role in the development of Chinese
oracle, p. 186 civilization. China has many different geographical features.
Some features separated groups of people within China. Others
separated China from the rest of the world.

A Vast and Varied Land

China covers an area of nearly 4 million square miles, about the
same size as the United States. One of the physical barriers that
separates China from its neighbors is a harsh desert, the Gobi
(GOH-bee). It spreads over much of China's north. East of the
Gobi are low-lying plains. These plains, which cover most of
eastern China, form one of the world's largest farming regions.
fim 6.6.1 Locate and describe the The Pacific Ocean forms the country's eastern boundary.
origins of Chinese civilization in the
Huang-He Valley during the Shang More than 2,000 miles to the west, rugged mountains make
Dynasty. up the western frontier. In the southwest the Plateau of Tibet
6.6.2 Explain the geographic features has several mountain peaks that reach more than 26,000 feet.
of China that made governance and From the plateau, smaller mountain ranges spread eastward. The
the spread of ideas and goods difficult
and served to isolate the country from most important of these ranges is the Qinling Shandi (CHIN-LING
the rest of the world. shahn-DEE). It separates northern China from southern China.

182 CHAPTER 7
 Feet Meters
13,120
6,560
~ 4,000
2,000
1,640 500
656 . 200
(Sea level) 0 · 0 (Sea level)
Below Below
sea level sea level
300 600 Miles
---, I·,
.,
~

Weather and temperature patterns vary on the surrounding countryside. Because ACADEMIC
widely across China. In the northeast, the these floods can be very destructive, the VOCABULARY
climate is cold and dry. Winter tempera- river is sometimes called "China's Sor- vd~ffry totbe
1 eren
tures drop well below 0°F. Rivers there are row." Over the years, millions of people
frozen for more than half of the year. In have died in Huang He floods.
the northwest, the deserts are very dry. But To the south, the Chang Jiang, or Yangzi
on the eastern plains of China, heavy rains River, cuts through central China. It flows
falL The tropical southeast is the wettest from the mountains of Tibet to the Pacific
region. Monsoons can bring 250 inches Ocean. The Chang Jiang is the longest river
of rain each year. That's enough water to in Asia.
cover a two-story house! In early China, the two rivers helped
link people in the eastern part of the coun-
The Rivers of China try with those in the west. At the same
Two great rivers flow from west to east in time, the mountains between the rivers
China. The Huang He, or Yellow River, limited contact.
stretches for nearly 3,000 miles across
northern China. The river often floods, Summarizing What geo-
and the floods leave behind layers of silt graphical features limited travel in China?

ANCIENT CHINA 183

China is a large country with many
different types of environments.
How do these photos show China's
divetSe geography?

In northern China, the Huang He, or Yellow

River, has long been the center of civilization.
The silt in the river gives it a yellow look.

Civilization Begins of the houses were partly underground and

Like other ancient peoples that you have may have had straw-covered roofs. The site
studied, people in China first settled along also included animal pens, storage pits,
rivers. There they farmed, built villages, and a cemetery.
and formed a civilization. Some of the villages along the Huang
He grew into large towns. Walls surround-
The Development of Farming ed these towns to defend them against
Farming in China started along the Huang floods and hostile neighbors. In towns
He and Chang Jiang. The rivers' floods like these, the Chinese left many artifacts,
deposited fertile silt. These silt deposits such as arrowheads, fishhooks, tools, and
made the land ideal for growing crops. pottery. Some village sites even contained
As early as 7000 BC farmers grew rice pieces of cloth.
in the middle Chang Jiang Valley. North, Separate cultures developed in south-
along the Huang He, the land was better for ern and northeastern China. These includ-
growing cereals such as millet and wheat. ed the Sanxingdui (sahn-shing-DWAY) and
Along with farming, the early Chinese Hongshan peoples. Little is known about
people increased their diets in other ways. them, however. As the major cultures along
They fished and hunted with bows and the Huang He and Chang Jiang grew, they
arrows. They also domesticated animals absorbed these other cultures.
such as pigs and sheep. With more sources Over time, Chinese culture became
of food, the population grew. more advanced. After 3000 BC people used
potter's wheels to make more types of pot-
Early Settlements tery. These people also learned to dig water
Archaeologists have found remains of early wells. As populations grew, villages spread
Chinese villages. One village site near the out over larger areas in both northern and
Huang He had more than 40 houses. Many southeastern China.

184 CHAPTER 7
 Southern China receives more rain than Western China's high mountains and wide
northern China, and farmers can grow deserts make travel difficult and isolate
several crops of rice a year. China's population centers in the east

Burial sites have provided information Writers told of terrible floods during
about the culture of this period. Like the Yu's lifetime. According to these accounts,
Egyptians, the early Chinese filled their Yu dug channels to drain the water to the
tombs with objects. Some tombs included ocean. This labor took him more than 10
containers of food, suggesting a belief in years and is said to have created the major
an afterlife. Some graves contained many waterways of north China.
more items than others. These differences Archaeologists have not yet found evi-
show that a social order had developed. dence that the tales about the Xia are true.
Often the graves of rich people held beau- However, the stories of Xia rulers were
tiful jewelry and other objects made from important to the ancient Chinese because
jade, a hard gemstone. they told of kings who helped people solve
problems by working together. The stories
. .JJU"AU'fiJ" ??'- Generalizing What were also explained the geography that had
some features of China's earliest settlements? such an impact on people's lives.

The Shang Dynasty

China's First Dynasties The first dynasty for which we have clear
Societies along the Huang He grew and evidence is the Shang, which was firmly
became more complex. They eventually established by the 1500s BC. Strongest in
formed the first Chinese civilization. the Huang He Valley, the Shang ruled a
broad area of northern China. Shang rulers
The Xia Dynasty moved their capital several times, probably
According to ancient stories, a series of to avoid floods or attack by enemies.
kings ruled early China. Around 2200 BC The king was at the center of Shang
one of them, Yu the Great, is said to have political and religious life. Nobles served
founded the Xia (SHAH) dynasty. the king as advisors and helped him rule.

ANCIENT CHINA 185

Less important officials were also nobles. of what they earned. Slaves, who filled
They performed specific governmental and society's lowest rank, were an important
religious duties. source of labor during the Shang period.
The social order became more orga- The Shang made many advances,
nized under the Shang. The royal family including China's first writing system.
and the nobles were at the highest level. This system used more than 2,000 symbols
Nobles owned much land, and they passed to express words or ideas. Although the
on their wealth and power to their sons. system has gone through changes over the
Warrior leaders from the far regions of the years, the Chinese symbols used today are
empire also had high rank in society. Most based on those of the Shang period.
people in the Shang ruling classes lived in Shang writing has been found on thou-
large homes in cities. sands of cattle bones and turtle shells. Priests
Artisans settled outside the city walls. had carved questions about the future on
They lived in groups based on what they bones or shells, which were then heated,
made for a living. Some artisans made causing them to crack. The priests believed
weapons. Other artisans made pottery, they could "read" these cracks to predict the
tools, or clothing. Artisans were at a middle future. The bones were called oracle bones
level of importance in Shang society. because an oracle is a prediction.
Farmers ranked below artisans in the In addition to writing, the Shang also
social order. Farmers worked long hours made other achievements. Artisans made
but had little money. Taxes claimed much beautiful bronze containers for cooking and

.'
d"

.-q

This bronze
Shang container
is shaped like a
tigress.

South China
Sea
 I.
0 I~
sun

-·-
rain I. ~

field-~--;~-- EE
I \Jit
I I I
I I I
I

III
I I

·-- --- - ·I .---

G
moon •
]) I
fl
religious ceremonies. They also made axes,
knives, and ornaments from jade. The mili- SUMMARY AND PREVIEW China is a vast
tary developed war chariots, powerful bows, land with a diverse geography. Ancient
and bronze body armor. Shang astrologers Chinese civilization developed in the fer-
also made an important contribution. They tile valleys of the Huang He and Chang
developed a calendar based on the cycles of Jiang. Civilization there advanced under
the moon. Shang rule. People developed a social
order, a writing system, and made other
·v;,rmr•ar:am· Contrasting What is a achievements. In the next section you
major historical difference between the Xia and will learn about new ideas in China dur-
Shang dynasties? ing the rule of the Zhou dynasty.

Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People lim 6.6.1, Critical Thinking

1. a. Identify Name China's two major rivers. 6.6.2 4. Comparing and Contrasting Copy the diagram
b. Analyze How did China's geography affect its shown here. Use it to show similarities and differ-
development? ences in the geography
2. a. Identify In which river valley did China's civiliza- of northern and
tion begin? southern China.
b. Explain What made China's river valleys ideal
for farming?
c. Elaborate What do Chinese artifacts reveal
FOCUS ON SPEAKING I
.J.
about China's early civilization? 5. Thinking about Events Look back over the
l. a. Describe How do historians know about the section to note the important events of China's
Xia dynasty? earliest times. Think about what it is that makes
b. Draw Conclusions What does the use of oracle one event more important than another. Write
bones tell us about the early Chinese? down your ideas in your notebook.

ANCIENT CHINA 187

 If YOU were there ...
Main Ideas You are a student of the famous teacher Confucius. Like many
1. The Zhou dynasty expanded older Chinese, he thinks that society has changed-and not for
China but then declined.
2. Confucius offered ideas the better. He believes in old values and a strict social order. He
to bring order to Chinese is trying to teach you and your fellow students how to behave as
society.
3. Daoism and Legalism also gentlemen. You must respect those who are your superiors in
gained followers. society. You must set a good example for others.
T How will these teachings affect your life'!
The Big Idea
The Zhou dynasty brought
political stability and new ways
to deal with political and social ""''~#~'.J"B;

problems in ancient China. BUILDING BACKGROUND The people of the Shang dynasty made
many advances, including beautiful metalwork, a writing system, and
Key Terms and People a calendar. The next dynasty, the Zhou, established other Chinese
lords, p. 189 traditions. Some of these traditions included the importance of family
peasants, p. 789 and social order. Later thinkers looked back with admiration to the
Confucius, p. 191
values of the Zhou period.
ethics, p. 191
Confucianism, p. 191
Daoism, p. 192
Laozi, p. 192 The Zhou Dynasty
Legalism, p. 192
In the 11 00s BC the leaders of a people who came to be known
as the Zhou (JOH) ruled over a kingdom in China. They joined
with other nearby tribes and attacked and overthrew the Shang
dynasty. The Zhou dynasty lasted longer than any other dynasty
in Chinese history.

lhe Zhou Dynasty

fim 6.6.3 Know about the life of
Confucius and the fundamental teach- 1100s BC 551 BC
ings of Confucianism and Daoism. Confucius is born.
6.6.4 Identify the political and cul-
tural problems prevalent in the time
of Confucius and how he sought to
771 BC 481 BC
solve them.
Invaders reach Civil war spreads across
the Zhou capital. China during the Warring
States period.
188 CHAPTER 7
 King
The king led the
government and
gave land to lords.

:Q Lords paid taxes to

East
China the king and provided
Sea warriors to protect
.o
his lands.

Peasants
Peasants
farmed the
nobles' land.
Region How far south did the Zhou
dynasty reach?

The Zhou Political System taxes and provided soldiers to the king as
The Zhou kings claimed to possess the needed. Peasants, or farmers with small
mandate of heaven. According to this idea, farms, were at the bottom of the order.
heaven gave power to the king or leader, and Each peasant family received a small plot
no one ruled without heaven's permission. of land and had to farm additional land for
If a king was found to be bad, heaven the noble. The system was described in the
would support another leader. Book of Songs:
The Zhou came from an area to the 11 Everywhere under vast Heaven
west of the Shang kingdom. Early Zhou There is no land that is not the king's
rulers used the mandate of heaven to jus- Within the borders of those lands
tify their rebellion against the Shang. Later There are none who are not the king's servants. 11
- from the Zhou Book ofSongs
Zhou rulers expanded their territory to ·t he
northwest and the east. Zhou soldiers then The Zhou system brought order to
moved south, eventually expanding their China. Ruling through lords helped the
rule to the Chang Jiang. Zhou control distant areas and helped
The Zhou established a new politi- ensure loyalty to the king. Over time, how-
cal order. They granted land to others in ever, the political order broke down. Lords
return for loyalty, military support, and passed their power to their sons, who were
other services. The Zhou king was at the less loyal to the king. Local rulers gained
highest level. He granted plots of land to power. They began to reject the authority
~ lords , or people of high rank. Lords paid of the Zhou kings.

ANCIENT CHINA 189

 The Decline of Zhou Power family had been the foundation of life in
As the lords' loyalty to the Zhou king less- China. Large families of several genera-
ened, many refused to fight against inva- tions formed powerful groups. When these
sions. In 771 BC invaders reached the families broke apart, they lost their power.
capital. According to legend, the king had Close relatives became rivals.
been lighting warning fires to entertain Bonds of loyalty even weakened within
a friend. Each time the fires were lit, the small families, especially among the upper
king's armies would rush to the capital classes. Sons plotted against each other
gates to protect him. When the real attack over inheritances. A wealthy father some-
came, the men thought the fires were just times tried to maintain peace by dividing
another joke, and no one came. The Zhou his land among his sons. But this created
lost the battle, but the dynasty survived. new problems. Each son could build up his
After this defeat the lords began to wealth and then challenge his brothers.
fight each other. By 481 BC, China had Some sons even killed their own fathers.
entered an era called the Warring States During the Warring States period, China
period, a time of many civil wars. Armies lacked a strong government to stop the
grew. Fighting became brutal and cruel as power struggles within the ruling-class
soldiers fought for territory, not honor. families. Chinese society fell into a period
of disorder.
ACADEMIC Internal Problems
VOCABULARY Identifying Cause and
The decline of the Zhou took place along READING (HECK
structure the way
something is set with important changes in the Chinese Effect How did the Zhou's decline affect
up or organized family structure. For many centuries the Chinese society?

The Warring States Period ===-----c:---==-::-:---:--::=~

During China's Warring States period, thousands

of armies fought each other to gain territory. The
armies used new weapons and battle techniques
in the civil wars that lasted
more than 200 years.
Confucius and Society
During the late Zhou period, thinkers came •
up with ideas about how to restore order
551- 419 BC
to China. One such person, Confucius,
Confucius, whose Chinese title is
became the most influential teacher in Kongfuzi, grew up in extreme poverty.
Chinese history. Confucius is a Western Confucius was a dedicated student
form of the Chinese title of "Master Kong" into his teenage years. Little is known
or "Kongfuzi." about how he received his formal
Confucius felt that China was overrun education, but he mastered many
subjects, including music, math-
with rude and dishonest people. Upset by
ematics, poetry, and history. He
the disorder and people's lack of decency,
served in minor government
Confucius said that the Chinese needed to positions, then he became a
return to ethics, or moral values. The ideas teacher: He never knew his
of Confucius are known as Confucianism. teachings would transform
Confucius wanted China to return Chinese life and thought.
to ideas and practices from a time when
people knew their proper roles in society. Drawing Inferences How do
you think Confucius's government
These are basic guidelines that Confucius jobs helped shape his teachings?
thought would restore family order and
social harmony:
• Fathers should display high moral values
to inspire their families. As Confucius traveled to many different
• Children should respect and obey their regions, he earned the reputation of a
parents. respected teacher. His ideas were passed
• All family members should be loyal to down through his students and later com-
each other. piled into a book called The Analects.
Because Confucianism focuses on
Confucius's ideas about government were
morality, family, society, and government,
similar to his ideas about family:
people often think of it as a philosophy
• Moral leadership, not laws, brought or way of thinking. But it is much more.
order to China. Confucianism is a unique teaching that
• A king should lead by example, inspiring is both philosophical and religious. It has
good behavior in all of his subjects. been a guiding force in human behavior
• The lower classes would learn by fol- and religious understanding in China.
lowing the example of their superiors. Confucius believed that when people
Confucius expressed this idea when he behaved well and acted morally, they
told kings: were simply carrying out what heaven
expected of them. Over the centuries
11 Lead the people by means of government
Confucius's ideas about virtue, kindness,
policies and regulate them through punish-
and learning became the dominant beliefs
ments, and they will be evasive and have
no sense of shame. Lead them by means of in China.
virtue ... and they will have a sense of shame
READING CHEC.K Identifying Points of View
and moreover have standards. 11
-Confucius, from The Analects What did Confucius believe about good behavior?

ANCIENT CHINA 191

 ISTORIC DOCUMENT
People should be respectful and loyal
The Analects to their family members.
The followers of Confucius placed their teacher's sayings
together in a work called in Chinese the Lun Yu and in English • Leaders should be kind and lead
The Analects. The word analects means "writings that have by example.
been collected."
• Learning is a process that never ends.
U yu, shall I teach you what knowledge is? When you know
• Heaven expects people to behave well and
a thing, say that you know it; when you do not know a thing,
act morally.
admit that you do not know it. That is knowledge.II

Il ls there any one word that can serve as a principle for .. .

life? Perhaps the word is reciprocity [fairness]: Do not do to
others what you would not want others to do to you .II the ideal ruler was a wise man who was in
harmony with the Dao. He would govern
U 1do not enlighten anyone who is not eager to learn, nor
so effortlessly that his people would not
encourage anyone who is not anxious to put his ideas into
words.II even know they were being governed.
-Confucius, from The Analects
Daoists taught that the universe is a
balance of opposites: female and male,
ANALYZING PRIMARY SOURCES
light and dark, low and high. In each case,
opposing forces should be in harmony.
'"t;.-~ I What are some of the qualities that Confucius valued?
While Confucianism focused its follow-
ers' attention on the human world, Daoists
paid more attention to the natural world.
Daoism and Legalism Daoists regarded humans as just a part of
Other beliefs besides Confucianism influ- nature, not better than any other thing.
enced China during the Zhou period. Two In time the Dao, as represented by nature,
in particular attracted many followers. became so important to the Daoists that
they worshipped it.
Daoism Laozi (LOWD-zuh) was the most famous
Daoism (DOW-ih-zum) takes its name from Daoist teacher. He taught that people
Dao, meaning "the way." Daoism stressed should not try to gain wealth, nor should
living in harmony with the Dao, the guid- they seek power. Laozi is credited with
ing force of all reality. In Daoist teachings, writing the basic text of Daoism, The Way
the Dao gave birth to the universe and all and Its Power. Later writers created many
things in it. Daoism developed in part as legends about Laozi's achievements.
a reaction to Confucianism. Daoists didn't
agree with the idea that active, involved Legalism
leaders brought social harmony. Instead, Legalism, the belief that people were
they wanted the government to stay out of bad by nature and needed to be con-
people's lives. trolled, contrasted with both Confucian-
Daoists believed that people should ism and Daoism. Unlike the other two
avoid interfering with nature or each oth- beliefs, Legalism was a political philoso-
er. They should be like water and simply let phy without religious concerns. Instead,
things flow in a natural way. For Daoists, it dealt only with government and social

19.2 CHAPTER 7
control. Followers of Legalism disagreed
with the moral preaching of Confucius.
Legalists also rejected Daoism because it Laozi
didn't stress respect for authority. c. 500s or 400s BC
Legalists felt that society needed strict Scholars have found little reliable infor-
laws to keep people in line and that pun- mation about Laozi's life. Some believe
ishments should fit crimes. For example, that his book on Daoism was actually the
they believed that citizens should be held work of several different authors. Most
ancient sources of information about
responsible for each other's conduct. A
Laozi are myths. For example, one
guilty person's relatives and neighbors legend states that when Laozi was born,
should also be punished. This way, every- he was already an old man. In Chinese
one would obey the laws. Laozi can mean "Old Baby' Over the years,
Unity and efficiency were also impor- many Daoists have worshipped Laozi as a
tant to Legalists. They wanted appointed supernatural being.
officials, not nobles, to run China. Legalists
Drawing Inferences What do you think it
wanted the empire to continue to expand.
meant to say Laozi was born "old"?
Therefore, they urged the state to always
be prepared for war.
Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism
competed for followers. All three beliefs
became popular, but the Legalists were SUMMARY AND PREVIEW When the
the first to put their ideas into practice Zhou dynasty crumbled, political and
throughout China. social chaos erupted. In response, the new
teachings of Confucianism, Daoism, and
·wzr'"Jikt··attalW Contrasting How did Legalism emerged. In the next section
Daoism and Legalism differ in their theories you will learn how the Qin dynasty
about government? applied the teachings of Legalism.

Section 2 Assessment
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People lim 6.6.3, Critical Thinking
1. a. Identify What is the mandate of heaven? 6·6·4 4. Finding Main Ideas Confucianism

b. Explain Describe the political order used Draw a chart like the one 1 Daoism 1 1
by the Zhou kings to rule distant lands. here. Use it to list two Legalism
c. Elaborate What happened when nobles main ideas each about
began to reject the Zhou king's authority? Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism.
2. a. Identify Who was Confucius?
b. Analyze Why did many of the teachings of ,.
Confucius focus on the family? FOCUS ON SPEAKING/
;;.L.
3. a. Identify Who was the most famous Daoist 5. Exploring the Importance of Historical Figures
teacher? Many important people in history are rulers or
b. Summarize What were the main ideas of conquerors. People who think and teach, however,
Daoism? have also played major roles in history. How did
c. Elaborate What might be some disadvantages thinkers and teachers shape China's history? Write
of Legalism? some ideas in your notebook.

ANCIENT CHINA 193

 If YOU were there ...
You are a scholar living in China in about" 210 BC. You have a large
library of Chinese literature, poetry, and philosophy. The new em-
peror is a harsh ruler with no love for learning. He says you must
Main Ideas
1. The first Qin emperor created
burn all the books that disagree with his ideas. The idea horrifies
a strong but strict govern- you. But if you do not obey, the punishment may be severe.
ment.
2. A unified China was created Will you obey the order to burn your books?
through Qin policies and
achievements.
Why or why not?

'
The Big Idea
The Qin dynasty unified China
.., •. ·...·~

BUILDING BACKGROUND Different dynasties held very different

:·j

with a strong government and a ideas about how to rule. As the Zhou period declined, putting new
system of standardization.
ideas into effect brought great changes.
t
Key Terms and People
Shi Huangdi, p. 194 The Qin Emperor's Strong Government
Great Wall, p. 197
The Warring States period marked a time in China when several
states battled each other for power. One state, the Qin (CHIN),
built a strong army that defeated the armies of the rivaling
states. Eventually, the Qin dynasty united the country under
one government.

Shi Huangdi Takes the Throne

In 221 BC, the Qin king Ying Zheng succeeded in unifying
China. He gave himself the title Shi Huangdi (SHEE hwahng-dee),
which means "first emperor." Shi Huangdi followed Legalist
political beliefs. He created a strong government with strict laws
and harsh punishments.

c. 213 BC c. 206 BC
~
Shi Huangdi orders The Qin dynasty
book burnings. collapses.
I
IJ:m 6.6.5 List the policies and
achievements of the emperor Shi
Huangdi in unifying northern China
under the Oin Dynasty.
210 BC
Emperor Shi Huangdi unifies China, Shi Huangdi dies.
beginning the Qin dynasty.

194 CHAPTER 7
 • Strong government with strict laws
• Standard laws, writing system, money, and
weights throughout China

Achievements
• Unified China
• Built network of roads and canals
~~
• Built irrigation system to improve farming
• Built the Great Wall across northern China

IT""·~ ~ ··

INTERPRETING MAPS

Location Where was the Great Wall located

during the Gin dynasty?

Shi Huangdi demanded that everyone China under the Qin

follow his policies. He ordered the burning Shi Huangdi changed China's old political
of all writings that did not agree with Legal- system. He claimed all the power and did
ism. The only other books that were saved not share it with the lords. He even took
dealt with farming, medicine, and predict- land away from them and forced thou-
ing the future. Many scholars opposed the sands of nobles to move with their families
book burnings. The emperor responded to the capital so he could keep an eye on
to the opposition by burying 460 scholars them. He also forced thousands of com-
alive. moners to work on government building
Shi Huangdi also used his armies to projects. Workers faced years of hardship,
expand the empire. First, they occupied danger, and often, death.
the lands around both of China's major To control China, Shi Huangdi divided
rivers. Then his soldiers turned north and it into districts, each with its own governor.
advanced almost to the Gobi Desert. To Districts were subdivided into counties
the south, they invaded more lands and that were governed by appointed officials.
advanced as far as the Xi River. This organization helped the emperor
Shi Huangdi ensured that there would enforce his tax system. It also helped the
not be any future revolts in his new terri- Qin enforce a strict chain of command.
tories. When his soldiers conquered a city,
he had them destroy its walls and take all I READING (HECK Summarizing How did
the weapons. Shi Huangdi strengthen the government?

ANCIENT CHINA 195

 A Unified China the written language. People everywhere
were required to write using the same set
Qin rule brought other major changes to
of symbols. People from different regions
China. Under Shi Huangdi, new policies and I
could now communicate with each other
achievements united the Chinese people.
in writing. This gave them a sense of shared
culture and a common identity.
~
Qin Policies Next, the emperor set up a new money
As you read earlier, mountains and rivers system. Standardized gold and copper coins
Focuso divided China into distinct regions. Cus- became the currency used in all of China.
READING toms varied, and people in each area had Weights and measures were also standard-
How might you
summarize the
their own money, writing styles, and laws. ized. Even the axle width of carts had to
new Oin policies? Shi Huangdi wanted all Chinese people to be the same. With all these changes and
do things the same way. the unified writing system, trade between
Early in his reign, the emperor set up a different regions became much easier. The
uniform system of law. Rules and punish- Qin government strictly enforced these
ments were to be the same in all parts of new standards. Any citizen who disobeyed ~
the empire. Shi Huangdi also standardized the laws would face severe punishment.

In 1974 archaeologists found the tomb of

Emperor Shi Huangdi near Xi'an and made
an amazing discovery. Buried close to the
emperor was an army of more than 6,000
life-size terra-cotta, or clay, soldiers. They
were designed to be
with Shi Huangdi in
the afterlife. In other
nearby chambers of
the tomb there were
another 1,400 clay
figures of cavalry
and chariots.
 Qin Achievements Qin built an irrigation system to make more
New, massive building projects also helped land good for farming. Parts of that system
to unify the country. Under Shi Huangdi's are still in use today.
rule, the Chinese built a network of roads Shi Huangdi also wanted to protect the
that connected the capital to every part of country from invasion. Nomads from the
the empire. These roads made travel easier north were fierce warriors, and they were a
for everyone. Each of these new roads was real threat to China. Hoping to stop them
the same width, 50 paces wide. This design from invading, the emperor built the Great
helped the army move quickly and easily to Wall, a barrier that linked earlier walls across
put down revolts in distant areas. [ China's northern frontier. The first section The Great Wall

I China's water system was also improved. of the wall had been built in the 600s BC
is a major tourist
attraction today.

I Workers built canals to connect the coun-

try's rivers. Like the new roads, the canals
to keep invading groups out of China. The
Qin connected earlier pieces of the wall to
improved transportation throughout the form a long, unbroken structure. Building
country. Using the new canals and rivers the wall required years of labor from hun-
together made it easier and faster to ship dreds of thousands of workers. Many of
goods from north to south. In addition, the them died building the wall.

Each terra-cotta soldier

was different with its
own facial features,
hairstyle, and unique
expression. Here, a
computer model shows
what a soldier
might have
looked like

ANCIENT CHINA 197

 ~
Rebel forces formed across the country.
Each claimed to have received the mandate
of heaven to replace the emperor. One of
these groups attacked the Qin capital, and
the new emperor surrendered. The palace
was burned to the ground. Qin authority
had disappeared. With no central govern-
ment, the country fell into civil war.

li1!i]•UU1iiluij Recall What massive build-

The Fall of the Qin ing projects did Shi Huangdi order to unify China?
Shi Huangdi's policies unified China. How-
ever, his policies also stirred resentment.
Many peasants, scholars, and nobles hated SUI'II'IARY AND PREVIEW Qin emperor
his harsh ways. Shi Huangdi's policies and achievements
Still, Shi Huangdi was powerful enough unified China, but his harsh rule led to
to hold the country together. When he resentment. After his death, the dynasty
died in 210 BC China was unified, but that fell apart. In the next section you will
didn't last. Within a few years, the govern- learn about the Han dynasty that came
ment began to fall apart. to power after the end of the Qin.

Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People lmRt Critical Thinking

1. a. Identify What does the title 6.6.5 3. Analyzing Improvement Advantage
Shi Huangdi mean? Draw a chart like
1. Road system
b. Explain After unifying China, why did Shi the one here.
Huangdi divide the country into military districts? Use it to show how 2. Canals
c. Rate Which of the following acts do you think each improvement
best showed how powerful Shi Huangdi was- helped the Qin 3. Great Wall

burning books, forcing nobles to move, or forcing dynasty.

commoners to work on government projects?
Explain your answer.
FOCUS ON SPEAKING I
J..
2. a. Recall Why was the Great Wall built? 4. Evaluating Contributions to History When
b. Summarize What actions did Shi Huangdi evaluating a person's contribution to history,
take to unify China and standardize things within it is important to consider both the person's
the empire? good impact and bad impact. In what ways
c. Evaluate In your opinion, was Shi Huangdi a was Shi Huangdi great? What negative impact
good ruler? Explain your answer. did he have on China? Write down your ideas.

198 CHAPTER 7
Emperor Shi Huangdi
becomes emperor.
If you were a powerful ruler, Because he is still
how would you protect yourself'l young, a high official
rules in his name.
When did he live? c. 259-210 BC 238 BC He exiles
the official, whom he
Where did he live? Shi Huangdi built a new capital city at Xianyang, suspects of plotting
now called Xi' an (SHEE-AHN), in eastern China. against him, and
rules alone.
What did he do? Shi Huangdi didn't trust people. Several attempts were
made on his life, and the emperor lived in fear of more attacks. He was con- 227 BC An assas-
stantly seeking new ways to protect himself and extend his life. By the time Shi sination attempt adds
Huangdi died, he didn't even trust his own advisors. Even in death, he sur- fuel to the emperor's
rounded himself with protectors: the famous terra-cotta army. paranoia.

221 BC Shi Huangdi

Why is he important? Shi Huangdi was unites all of China
one of the most powerful rulers in Chinese his- under his rule.
tory. The first ruler to unify all of China, he is
also remembered for his building programs. He
built roads and canals throughout China and
expanded what would become the Great Wall.

Drawing Conclusions Why do you think Shi

Huangdi feared for his life?

This painting shows Shi

Huangdi's servants burning
books and attacking scholars.
 If YOU were there ...
You are a young Chinese student from a poor family. Your family
has worked hard to give you a good education so that you can
Main Ideas get a government job and have a great future. Your friends
1. Han dynasty government was laugh at you. They say that only boys from wealthy families win
based on the ideas of Confu- the good jobs. They think it is better to join the army.
cius.
2. Family life was supported and Will you take the exam or join the army? Why?
strengthened in Han China.
3. The Han made many achieve-
ments in art, literature, and
learning.
-~-·-·-----····--.--.,.;~·· ··-..,.,...-----------~--~-
1
' BUILDING BACKGROUND Though it was harsh, the rule of the t
The Big Idea first Oin emperor helped to unify northern China. With the building of
The Han dynasty created a new the Great Wall, he strengthened defenses on the northern frontier.
form of government that valued But his successor could not hold on to power. The Qin gave way to a
family, art, and learning.
remarkable new dynasty that would last for 400 years.
J
Key Terms
sundial, p. 204
seismograph, p. 204
Han Dynasty Government
acupuncture, p. 205 When the Qin dynasty collapsed in 207 BC, several different
groups battled for power. After several years of fighting, an army
led by Liu Bang (lee-oo bang) won control. Liu Bang became the
first emperor of the Han dynasty. This Chinese dynasty lasted
for more than 400 years.

The Rise of a New Dynasty

Liu Bang, a peasant, was able to become emperor in large part
because of the Chinese belief in the mandate of heaven. He was
the first common person to become emperor. He earned people's

AD 220
The Han
dynasty falls.
G:m 6.6.6 Detail the political con-
tributions of the Han Dynasty to the
development of the imperial bureau-
cratic state and the expansion of the
empire. AD 25
Wudi becomes emperor and tries to The Han move their capital
strengthen China's government. east to Luoyang.

200 CHAPTER 7
 II•
.'
:q
East
China
Sea
.o

South China
Sea

Region What features marked the northern

boundary of the Han dynasty?

loyalty and trust. In addition, he was well took land from the lords, raised taxes,
liked by both soldiers and peasants, which and placed the supply of grain under the
helped him to maintain control. control of the government.
Liu Bang's rule was different from the Under Wudi, Confucianism became
strict Legalism of the Qin. He wanted to China's official government philosophy.
free people from harsh government poli- Government officials were expected to
cies. He lowered taxes for farmers and practice Confucianism. Wudi even began a
made punishments less severe. He gave university to teach Confucian ideas.
large blocks of land to his supporters. If a person passed an exam on
In addition to setting new policies, Confucian teachings, he could get a
Liu Bang changed the way government good position in the government. How-
worked. He set up a government structure ever, not just anyone could take the test.
that built on the foundation begun by the The exams were only open to people who
Qin. He also relied on educated officials to had been recommended for government
help him rule. service already. As a result, wealthy or
influential families continued to control
Wudi Creates a New Government the government.
In 140 BC Emperor Wudi (woo-dee) took
the throne. He wanted to create a stron- READING (HECK Analyzing How was the
ger central government. To do that, he Han government based on the ideas of Confucius?

ANCIENT CHINA 201

 ·a ...11v Lives of Rich and Poor
The classes only divided people into social

~
The Han period was a time of great social
rank. They did not indicate wealth or
change in China. Class structure became
power. For instance, even though peasants
more rigid. The family once again became
made up the second highest class, they
important within Chinese society.
were poor. On the other hand, some mer-
Social Classes chants were wealthy and powerful despite
being in the lowest class.
Based on the Confucian system, people
People's lifestyles varied according to
were divided into four classes. The upper
wealth. The emperor and his court lived
class was made up of the emperor, his
in a large palace. Less important officials
court, and scholars who held government
lived in multilevel houses built around
positions. The second class, the largest, was
courtyards. Many of these wealthy families
made up of the peasants. Next were artisans
owned large estates and employed laborers
who produced items for daily life and
to work the land. Some families even hired
some luxury goods. Merchants occupied
private armies to defend their estates.
the lowest class because they did not pro-
The wealthy filled their homes with
duce anything. They only bought and sold
expensive decorations. These included
what others made. The military was not an
paintings, pottery, bronze lamps, and jade
official class in the Confucian system. Still,
figures. Rich families hired musicians for
joining the army offered men a chance to
entertainment. Even the tombs of dead
rise in social status because the military was
family members were filled with beautiful,
considered part of the government.
expensive objects.
Most people in the Han dynasty, how-
ever, didn't live like the wealthy. Nearly 60
million people lived in China during the
Han dynasty, and about 90 percent of them
were peasants who lived in the countryside.
Peasants put in long, tiring days working the
land. Whether it was in the millet fields of
the north or in the rice paddies of the south,
the work was hard. In the winter, peasants
were also forced to work on building proj-
ects for the government. Heavy taxes and
bad weather forced many farmers to sell
their land and work for rich landowners. By
the last years of the Han dynasty, only a few
farmers were independent.
Chinese peasants lived simple lives.
They wore plain clothing made of fiber
from a native plant. The main foods they
This Han artifact ate were cooked grains like barley. Most
is an oil lamp
peasants lived in small villages. Their small,
held by a servant
wood-framed houses had walls made of
mud or stamped earth.

202 CHAPTER 7
The Revival of the Family Children were encouraged to serve
Since Confucianism was the official gov- their parents. They were also expected to
ernment philosophy during Wudi's reign, honor dead parents with ceremonies and
Confucian teachings about the family were offerings. All family members were expect-
also honored. Children were taught from ed to care for family burial sites.
birth to respect their elders. Disobeying Chinese parents valued boys more
one's parents was a crime. Even emperors highly than girls. This was because sons
had a duty to respect their parents. carried on the family line and took care of
Confucius had taught that the father their parents when they were old. On the
was the head of the family. Within the other hand, daughters became part of their
family, the father had absolute power. The husband's family. According to a Chinese
Han taught that it was a woman's duty to proverb, "Raising daughters is like raising
obey her husband, and children had to children for another family." Some wom-
obey their father. en, however, still gained power. They could
Han officials believed that if the family actually influence their sons' families. An
was strong and people obeyed the father, older widow could even become the head
then people would obey the emperor, of the family.
too. Since the Han stressed strong fam-
ily ties and respect for elders, some men Identifying Cause and Effect
even gained government jobs based on the Why did the family take on such importance
respect they showed their parents. during the Han dynasty?

ANCIENT CHINA 203

 Han Achievements Han writers also produced important
works of history. One historian by the name
Han rule was a time of great accomplish-
of Sima Qian wrote a complete history
ments. Art and literature thrived, and
of all the dynasties through the early Han.
inventors developed many useful devices.
His format and style became the model for
later historical writings.
Art and Literature
The Chinese of the Han period produced Inventions and Advances
many works of art. They became experts The Han Chinese invented one item that
at figure painting-a style of painting that we use every day-paper. They made it
includes portraits of people. Portraits often by grinding plant fibers, such as mulberry
showed religious figures and Confucian bark and hemp, into a paste. Then they let
scholars. Han artists also painted realistic it dry in sheets. Chinese scholars produced
scenes from everyday life. Their creations "books" by pasting several pieces of paper
covered the walls of palaces and tombs. together into a long sheet. Then they rolled
ACADEMIC In literature, Han China is known for the sheet into a scroll.
VOCABULARY its poetry. Poets developed new styles of The Han also made other innovations
innovation a new
verse, including the fu style which was the in science. These included the sundial and
idea, method, or
device most popular. Fu poets combined prose the seismograph. A sundial uses the posi-
and poetry to create long works of lit- tion of shadows cast by the sun to tell
erature. Another style, called shi, featured the time of day. The sundial was an early
short lines of verse that could be sung. Han type of clock. A seismograph is a device
rulers hired poets known for the beauty of that measures the strength of an earth-
their verse. quake. Han emperors were very interested

204 CHAPTER 7
 How do these objects show the range of accomplish-
ments in Han China?

in knowing about the movements of the

earth. They believed that earthquakes were
signs of future evil events. Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People lim 6.6.6
Another Han innovation, acupuncture 1. a. Identify Whose teachings were the foundation for
(AK-yoo-punk-cher), improved medicine. government during the Han dynasty?
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting b. Summarize How did Emperor Wudi create a strong
fine needles through the skin at specific central government?
points to cure disease or relieve pain. Many c. Evaluate Do you think that an exam system is the
best way to make sure that people are fairly chosen for
Han inventions in science and medicine
government jobs? Why or why not?
are still used today. 2. a. Describe What was the son's role in the family?
b. Contrast How did living conditions for the wealthy
differ from those of the peasants during the Han dynasty?
'tJ7i''" 0 ~.,,, • • Categorizing What advanc-
3. Identify What device did the Chinese invent to
es did the Chinese make during the Han period? measure the strength of earthquakes?

Critical Thinking Class Facts

4. Categorizing Copy the chart below. List 1.
SUI111ARY AND PREVIEW Han rulers the four classes of Chinese society and 2.
moved away from Legalism and based give at least two facts about each. 3.
their government on Confucianism. This 4. I

strengthened family bonds in Han China.

In addition, art and learning thrived 5. Analyzing Impact on History Sometimes a ruler has
under Han rule. In the next section you the biggest impact on history. Other times, ideas that
will learn about China's contact beyond develop within a society have a greater impact. Which
its borders. had a greater impact on Han China? Why?

ANCIENT CHINA 205

 from
•
•••
GUIDED READING by Sima Qian
Translated by Burton Watson
WORD HELP
intervals periods of time About the Reading The Shiji, also called the Records of the Grand
dispatched sent Historian, is a history that describes more than two thousand years of
envoy representative Chinese culture. The author, Sima Qian (soo-MAH chee-EN), held the title
Grand Historian under the Han emperor Wudi. He spent 18 years of his
Henan (HUH-NAHN) is a life writing the Shiji. His hard work paid off, and his history was well
region of eastern China. It
is a productive agricultural
received. In fact, the Shiji was so respected that it served as the model
region. for every later official history of China. This passage describes a man
named Bu Shi, who attracted the emperor's attention through his
E) The Xiongnu were a tribe generosity and good deeds. Eventually, the emperor invited him to live
of nomads. They lived in the in the imperial palace.
north and often raided towns
near China's border. p!jljjt1il;lfj1•i Ask yourself why Sima Qian included Bu Shi in his history.

Bu Shi was a native of Henan, where his family made a living by

Why do you think the
emperor invites Bu Shi to farming and animal raising. 0 When his parents died, Bu Shi left
work for the government? home, handing over the house, the lands, and all the family wealth
to his younger brother, who by this time was full grown. For his own
share, he took only a hundred or so of the sheep they had been rais-
ing, which he led off into the mountains to pasture. In the course of
ten years or so, Bu Shi's sheep had increased to over a thousand and
he had bought his own house and fields. His younger brother in the
meantime had failed completely in the management of the farm, but
Bu Shi promptly handed over to him a share of his own wealth. This
happened several times. Just at that time the Han was sending its gen-
erals at frequent intervals to attack the Xiongnu. 8 Bu Shi journeyed
to the capital and submitted a letter to the throne, offering to turn
over half of his wealth to the district officials to help in the defense
of the border. The emperor dispatched an envoy to ask if Bu Shi
HJi.1 6.3.0 Students read
and respond to historically or wanted a post in the government. e
culturally significant works "From the time I was a child," Bu Shi replied, "I have been an
of literature that reflect and
enhance their studies of history
animal raiser. I have had no experience in government and would
and soc ial science. certainly not want such a position" ...

206 CHAPTER 7
 "If that is the case," said the envoy, "then what is your objective GUIDED READING
in making this offer?"
Bu Shi replied, "The Son of Heaven has sent out to punish the WORD HELP
Xiongnu. 0 In my humble opinion, every worthy man should be objective goal
chancellor high official
willing to fight to the death to defend the borders, and every person
accord agreement
with wealth ought to contribute to the expense ... "
eccentric someone who acts
The emperor discussed the matter with the chancellor, but the latter strangely
said, "The proposal is simply not in accord with human nature! 0 Such populace people
eccentric people are of no use in guiding the populace, but only throw tutor private teacher
the laws into confusion. I beg Your Majesty not to accept his offer!"
For this reason the emperor put off answering Bu Shi for a long 0 The Chinese people
time, and finally after several years had passed, turned down the offer, believed that their emperor
whereupon Bu Shi went back to his fields and pastures ... was the "Son of Heaven."
They thought he received
The following year a number of poor people were transferred to
his power from heavenly
other regions ... At this point Bu Shi took two hundred thousand ancestors.
cash of his own and turned the sum over to the governor of Henan
to assist the people who were emigrating to other regions ... At this The "latter" means the
time the rich families were all scrambling to hide their wealth; only one mentioned last. In this
Bu Shi, unlike the others, had offered to contribute to the expenses case, the latter is the chan-
cellor.
of the government. 0 The emperor decided that Bu Shi was really a
man of exceptional worth after all ... Because of his simple, unspoiled
ways and his deep loyalty, the emperor finally appointed him grand
0 What is Bu Shi's attitude
toward his wealth? How is it
tutor to his son Liu Hong, the king of Qi. different from the attitude of
the rich families?

In this painting
from the 1600s,
government
officials deliver
a letter.

1. Drawing Conclusions Like many Chinese l. Analyzing The Emperor Wudi based his
historians, Sima Qian wanted to use history government on the teachings of Confucius.
to teach lessons. What lessons could the What elements of Confucianism can you
story of Bu Shi be used to teach? see in this story?

207
 If YOU were there ...
Main Ideas You are a trader traveling along the Silk Road to China. This is
1. Farming and manufacturing your f1rst journey, but you have heard many stories about the
grew during the Han dynasty.
2. Trade routes linked China with country. You know the trip will be hard, through mountains and
the Middle East and Rome. deserts and terrible weather. While you expect to make a good
3. Buddhism came to China from
India and gained many fol- profit from silk, you are also curious about China and its people.
lowers.
What do you expect to find in China'!
+
, The Big Idea
Trade routes led to the ex- ~

change of new products and BUILDING BACKGROUND During the Han dynasty Chinese soci-
ideas among China, Rome, and
ety returned its focus to Confucian ideas, and new inventions were
other peoples.
developed. In addition, increased trade allowed other countries to
m learn about the rich culture of c'~ina.
Key Terms
silk, p. 209
Silk Road, p. 209
diffusion, p. 211 Farming and Manufacturing
Many advances in manufacturing took place during the Han
dynasty. As a result, productivity increased and the empire pros-
pered. These changes paved the way for China to make contact
with people of other cultures.

~ 6.6.7 Cite the significance of

the trans-Eurasian "silk roads" in the
period of the Han Dynasty and Roman
Empire and their locations.
6.6.8 Describe the diffusion of Bud-
dhism northward to China during the
Han Dynasty.

208 CHAPTER 7
 By the Han period, the Chinese had Trade Routes
become master ironworkers. They manu-
Chinese goods, especially silk and fine pot-
factured iron swords and armor that made
tery, were highly valued by people in other
the army more powerful. [ lands. During the Han period, the value China still
Farmers also gained from advances in produces about
of these goods to people outside China
iron. The iron plow and the wheelbarrow, 50 percent of the
helped increase trade. world's silk.
a single-wheeled cart, increased farm out-
put. With a wheelbarrow a farmer could Expansion of Trade
haul more than 300 pounds all by himself.
Trade increased partly because Han armies
With an iron plow, he could till more land
conquered lands deep in Central Asia. Lead-
and raise more food.
ers there told the Han generals that people
Another item that increased in pro-
who lived still farther west wanted silk.
duction during the Han dynasty was silk,
At the same time, Emperor Wudi wanted
a soft, light, highly valued fabric. For cen-
strong, sturdy Central Asian horses for his
turies, Chinese women had known the
army. China's leaders saw that they could
complicated methods needed to raise silk-
make a profit by bringing silk to Central
worms, unwind the silk threads of their
Asia and trading the cloth for the horses.
cocoons, and then prepare the threads for
The Central Asian peoples would then take
dyeing and weaving. The Chinese were ACADEMIC
the silk west and trade it for other products
determined to keep their procedure for VOCABULARY
they wanted. procedure the
making silk a secret. Revealing these secrets
way a task is
was punishable by death. The Silk Road accomplished
During the Han period, weavers used Traders used a series of overland routes to
foot-powered looms to weave silk threads take Chinese goods to distant buyers. The
into beautiful fabric. Garments made from most famous trade route was known as the
this silk were very expensive. Silk Road . This 4,000-mile-long network
of routes stretched westward from China
1" •':wmrt311131P Finding Main Ideas How
1 across Asia's deserts and mountain ranges,
did advances in technology affect farming and through the Middle East, until it reached
silk production? the Mediterranean Sea.

The technique for

making silk was a
well-kept secret in
ancient China, as silk
was a valuable trade
good in distant lands.
Workers made silk
from the cocoons of
silkworms, just as
they do today.

ANCIENT CHINA 209

 Chinese traders did not travel the entire Buddhism Comes to China
Silk Road. Upon reaching Central Asia,
When the Chinese people came into
they sold their goods to local traders who
contact with other civilizations, they
would take them the rest of the way.
exchanged ideas along with trade goods.
Traveling the Silk Road was difficult.
Among these ideas was a new religion.
Hundreds of men and camels loaded down
In the first century AD Buddhism spread
with valuable goods, including silks and
from India to China along the Silk Road
jade, formed groups. They traveled the
and other trade routes.
Silk Road together for protection. Armed
guards were hired to protect traders from
bandits who stole cargo and water, a pre- Arrival of a New Religion
cious necessity. Weather presented other Over time, the Han government became
dangers. Traders faced icy blizzards, desert less stable. People ignored laws, and vio-
heat, and blinding sandstorms. lence was common. As rebellions flared
Named after the most famous item up, millions of peasants went hungry. Life
transported along it, the Silk Road was became violent and uncertain. Many Chi-
worth its many risks. Silk was so popular nese looked to Daoism or Confucianism to
in Rome, for example, that China grew find out why they had to suffer so much,
wealthy from that trade relationship alone. but they didn't find helpful answers.
Traders returned from Rome with silver, Buddhism seemed to provide more
gold, precious stones, and horses. hope than the traditional Chinese beliefs
did. It offered rebirth and relief from suf-
Summarizing Why did fering. This promise was a major reason
Chinese trade expand under Han rule? the Chinese people embraced Buddhism.

W
*E s
INDIAN OCEAN
Place Around what physical feature does the
Silk Road split into two routes?

210
Impact on China
At first, Indian Buddhists had trouble
explaining their religion to the Chinese.
Then they used ideas found in Daoism
to help describe Buddhist beliefs. Many
people grew curious about Buddhism.
Before long, Buddhism caught on in
China with both the poor and the upper
classes. By AD 200, Buddhist altars stood in
the emperor's palace.
Buddhism's introduction to China is an
example of diffusion, the spread of ideas
from one culture to another. Elements of
Chinese culture changed in response to
the new faith. For example, scholars trans-
lated Buddhist texts into Chinese. Many
Chinese became Buddhist monks and
nuns. Artists carved towering statues of
Buddha into mountain walls.

"tJ7nl"d:Jt'"''"''llr Finding Main Ideas How

did Chinese people learn of Buddhism?

SUMMARY AND PREVIEW Under the

Han, trade brought new goods and ideas,
including Buddhism, to China. In the
next chapter you'll read about the reli-
gion of another people-the Jews.

Section 5 Assessment
Reviewing Ideas, Terms, and People lim 6.6.7, Critical Thinking
1. a. Describe How did wheelbarrows help 6.6.8 4. Categorizing Copy the chart
farmers? here. Use it to show the goods
b. Summarize How was silk made in ancient China? and ideas that came into China
c. Elaborate Why did the Chinese keep silk-making and the goods that China sent
methods a secret? to other countries along the
2. a. Identify Where did the Silk Road begin and end? Silk Road.
b. Elaborate What information would you use to
support the argument that the silk trade must have FOCUS ON SPEAKING j
.J.
been very valuable? 5. Evaluating the Importance of Events Not all the
l. a. Identify What is diffusion? important events in history are wars or invasions.
b. Make Generalizations What Buddhist beliefs What peaceful events in this section changed
appealed to millions of Chinese peasants? Chinese history? Write down some ideas.

ANCIENT CHINA 211

 The Silk Road was a long trade route that stretched
across the heart of Asia. Along this route, an active trade
developed between China and Southwest Asia by about
100 BC. By AD 100, the Silk Road connected Han China
in the east with the Roman Empire in the west.
Th~,P,ain goods traded along the Silk Road were
lux+octs-ones that were small, light, and expensive.
V{~"·ihduded goods like silk, spices, and gold. Because
lb"were small and valuable, merchants could carry
'~e goods long distances and still sell them for a

t .·-:_'. 1 _· ,_
o
_··. i
.
fi As a res~lt, people in both the east
t

a_ (~t ~·· ;_"west w~re ~le to buy luxury goods

that were unavailable\at home.

CHAPTER 7
 Goods lrom the East Chinese merchants
also got rich from Silk Road trade. Valuable Asian
goods included silk cloth, jade objects, and spices
like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger that didn't
grow in Europe.

actually a network of roads that linked trading

centers in Asia. Most merchants only traveled a
small part of the Silk Road, selling their goods
along the way to other traders from distant lands.

India
~

\
Silk Road
Other trade routes ,,,.. . .. . w.

Han Empire INTERPRETING MAPS

0 Roman Empire
1. Place What two empires did the Silk Road connect by AD 100?
Scale varies on this map.
2. Movement What were some goods traded along the Silk Road?

INDIAN 0 C E A N
ANCIENT CHINA 213
Conduding Internet Research
E) Study the Web page. Read the information
to see if it is useful. You can print the page on
The Internet is a huge network of computers that the computer's printer or take notes. If you take
are linked together. You can connect to this network notes, be sure to include the page's URL. This
from a personal computer or from a computer at a is its location or "address" on the Internet. You
public library or school. Once connected, you can need this as the source of the information.
go to places called Web sites. Web sites consist of
C) Use hyperlinks. Many Web pages have con-
one or more Web pages. Each page contains infor-
nections, called hyperlinks, to related informa-
mation that you can view on the computer screen.
tion on the site or on other Web sites. Clicking
Governments, businesses, individuals, and
on these links will take you to those pages. You
many different types of organizations such as uni-
can follow their links to even more pages, col-
versities, news organizations, and libraries have Web
lecting information as you go.
sites. Most library Web sites allow users to search
their card catalog electronically. Many libraries also 0 Return to your results list. If the informa-
have databases on their Web sites. A database is a tion or hyperlinks on a Web page are not use-
large collection of related information that is orga- ful, return to the list of pages that your search
nized by topic. engine produced and repeat the process.
The Internet can be a very good reference The Internet is a useful tool. But remember that
source. It allows you to gather information on information on the Internet is no different than
almost any topic without ever having to leave your printed resources. It must be evaluated with the
chair. However, finding the information you need same care and critical thinking as other resources.
can sometimes be difficult. Having the skill to use
the Internet efficiently increases its usefulness.

Answer the following questions to apply the guide-

lines to Internet research on ancient China.
There are millions of Web sites on the Internet. This
1. How would you begin if you wanted information
can make it hard to locate specific information. The
about the Qin Dynasty from the Internet?
following steps will help you in doing research on
the Internet. 2. What words might you type into a search engine
to find information about Confucianism?
0 Use a search engine. This is a Web site that
3. Use a school computer to research the Great Wall
searches other sites. Type a word or phrase
of China. What kinds of pages did your search
related to your topic into the search engine. It
produce? Evaluate the usefulness of each type.
will list Web pages that might contain informa-
tion on your topic. Clicking on an entry in this
list will bring that page to your screen.

214 CHAPTER 7
 Standards Review
Visual Use the visual summary below to help you review
Summary the main ideas of the chapter.

Reviewing Vocabulary, 5. "I was built to keep invaders from attacking

China."
Terms, and People 6. "I can measure the strength of an earthquake."
Match the {{I" statement with the person or thing that 7. "I am a person of high rank."
might have made the statement. Not all of the choices
8. "I am a new idea, method, or device."
will be used.
9. "I emphasized the importance of moral values
a. jade g. Daoism and respect for the family."
b. innovation h. Shi Huangdi 10. "I am a farmer who tills a small plot of land."
c. lord i. seismograph
d. oracle j. wheelbarrow
e. peasant k. Great Wall Comprehension and
f. Confucius I. Legalism Criticallbinking
SECTION 1 (Pages 182-187) fim 6.6.1, 6.6.2
1. "I stressed the importance of living in harmony 11. a. Identify In what region did the Shang
with nature." dynasty develop?
2. "I took a name that means 'first emperor."' b. Analyze How did China's geography
3. "I stressed that people needed to be controlled contribute to the country's isolation?
with strict laws." c. Evaluate Considering the evidence, do you
4. "I am a beautiful, hard gemstone that the think the Xia dynasty was really China's first
Chinese made into many objects." dynasty or a myth? Explain your answer.

ANCIENT CHINA 215

SECTION 2 (Pages 188-193) f.Im 6.6.3, 6.6.4 Using the Internet
12. a. Identify Which Chinese philosophy encour-
18. Activity: Solving Problems Confucius was one
aged strict laws and severe punishments to keep
order? of the most influential teachers in Chinese his-
tory. His ideas suggested ways to restore order in
b. Analyze How would Confucianism benefit Chinese society. Enter the activity keyword and
Chinese emperors? research Confucianism. Take note of the politi-
c. Evaluate Would you be happier under a gov- cal and cultural problems Confucianism tried
ernment influenced by Legalism or by Daoism? to address. Then investigate some of the current
In which type of government would there be political and cultural problems in the United
more order? Explain your answers. States. Could Confucianism solve problems in
the United States? Prepare a persuasive argu-
SECTION 3 (Pages 194-198) f.Im 6.6.5 ment to support your answer.
13. a. Describe What were the main reasons for the
fall of the Qin dynasty?
b. Make Inferences Why did Shi Huangdi's Reading Skills
armies destroy city walls and take weapons from 19. Summarizing From the chapter, choose a sub-
people they conquered? section under a blue headline. For each para-
c. Evaluate Shi Huangdi was a powerful ruler. graph within that subsection, write a sentence
Was his rule good or bad for China? Why? that summarizes the paragraph's main idea.
Continue with the other subsections under the
SECTION 4 (Pages 200-205) f.Im 6.6.6 blue heading to create a study guide.
14. a. Identify During the Han dynasty, who
belonged to the first and second social groups?
b. Analyze What was the purpose of the exam Social Studies Skills
system during Wudi's rule?
20. Retrieving and Analyzing Information Find a
c. Elaborate What inventions show that the topic in the chapter about which you would like
Chinese studied nature? to know more. Use the Internet to explore your
topic. Compare the sources you find to deter-
SECTION 5 (Pages 208-211) i:I:m 6.6.7, 6.6.8 mine which seem most complete and reliable.
15. a. Identify What factors led to the growth of Write a short paragraph about your results.
trade during the Han dynasty?
b. Draw Conclusions Who do you think wore
silk garments in China? FOCUS ON SPE.AKING I
;J...
1

c. Predict What might have happened if the

21. Giving Your Oral Presentation You have chosen
Chinese had told foreign visitors how to make a person or event and know why your choice
silk? was important to Chinese history. Now you
must convince your classmates.
First, write a brief description of what the
Reviewing Themes person did or what happened during the event.
16. Politics Why might historians differ in their Then summarize why your person or event is
views of Shi Huangdi's success as a ruler? important to Chinese history.
When you give your oral presentation, use
17. Society and Culture How did Confucianism
vivid language to create pictures in your listeners'
affect people's roles in their family, in govern-
minds. Also, use a clear but lively tone of voice.
ment, and in society?

216 CHAPTER 7
"' "'--' _______ _______ __________
~' """"' """"

Standards Assessment
DIRECTIONS: Read each question, and write the II Which of the following developments in
letter of the best response. China is an example of diffusion?
A the growth of manufacturing and trade
D B the building of the Great Wall

The connecting link between serving one's C the spread of Buddhism from India
father and serving one's mother is love. D the use of inventions to improve farming
The connecting link between serving one's
father and serving one's prince is reverence D Which dynasty's rulers created a govern-
[respect]. Thus the mother [brings forth] love,
ment based on the ideas of Confucius?
while the prince brings forth reverence. But to A the Shang dynasty
the father belong both-love and reverence B the Zhou dynasty
... Likewise, to serve one's elders reverently C the Qin dynasty
paves the way for civic obedience. D the Han dynasty

The observation and advice in this passage Connecting with Past Learnings
best express the teachings of
A Buddhism. 01 In your studies of ancient India, you learned
B Confucianism.
about the Hindu belief in rebirth. Which
belief system that influenced early China
C Daoism. also emphasized rebirth?
D Legalism. A Buddhism
B Confucianism
D Which feature of China's physical geogra-
phy did not separate its early people from C Daoism
the rest of the world? D Legalism
A the Gobi
B the Huang-He
D What characteristic did early civilization in
Mesopotamia share with early civilization in
C the Pacific Ocean China?
D the Tibetan Plateau A Both developed paper.
B Both were influenced by Buddhism.
D How did the Qin emperor Shi Huangdi unify
and control China in the 200s BC? C Both built ziggurats.

A He created districts and counties that were D Both first developed in river valleys.
governed by appointed officials.
B He gave land to China's nobles so that they
would be loyal to him.
C He dissolved the army so that it could not be
used against him by his enemies.
D He established the Silk Road to get goods
from far away.

ANCIENT CHINA 217

 Why Things Happen
Assignment
Write an expository essay
hy do civilizations so often develop in river valleys?
explaining one of these topics: Why did early people migrate across continents?
• Why the Aryans developed You learn about the forces that drive history when you
the caste system ask why things happened. Then you can share what you
• Why Confucius is consid- learned by writing an expository essay, explaining why
ered the most influential events turned out as they did.
teacher in Chinese history

1. Prewrite
__ Organizing Information Considering Topic and Audience
Essays that explain why should be Choose one of the two topics in the assignment, and then start to
written in a logical order. Consider think about your big idea. Your big-idea statement might start out
using one of these: like this:
• The Aryans developed the caste system to ...
• Chronological order, the order in
• Confucius is considered the most influential teacher in Chinese
which things happened
history because he ...
• Order of importance, the order of
the least important reason to the Collecting and Organizing Information
most important, or vice versa. You will need to collect information that answers the question Why.
To begin, review the information in this unit of your textbook. You can
find more information on your topic in the library or on the Internet.
You should not stop searching for information until you have at
least two or three answers to the question Why. These answers will
form the points to support your big idea. Then take another look at
your big idea. You may need to revise it or add to it to reflect the infor-
mation you have gathered.

IW Writing 6.2.2 Write expository 2. Write

compositions (for example, description, Here is a framework that can help you write your first draft.
explanation, comparison and contrast,
problem and solution).

Body Conclusion
• Start with an interesting fact or • Include at least one paragraph for • Summarize your main points.
question. each point supporting your big idea. • Using different words, restate your
• Identify your big idea. • Include facts and details to explain big idea.
• Include any important background and illustrate each point.
information. • Use chronological order or order of
importance.

218 UNIT 3
3. Evaluate and Revise
Evaluating Using Lists To make an
Effective explanations require clear, straightforward language. Use the explanation easier to follow, look for
following questions to discover ways to improve your draft. information that can be presented in
a list.
Evaluation Questions for an Expository Essay Sentence/Paragraph Form Confucius
gave the Chinese people guidelines
• Does your essay begin with an • Have you organized your points
for behavior. He felt that fathers
interesting fact or question? clearly and logically?
should display high moral values,
• Does the introduction identify your • Did you explain any unusual words?
big idea? and he thought it was important
• Does the conclusion summarize
• Have you developed at least one your main points? that women obey their husbands.
paragraph to explain each point? • Does the conclusion restate your Children were to be obedient and
• Is each point supported with facts big idea in different words? respectful.
and details?
List Form
Confucius gave the Chinese people
guidelines for behavior:
Revising
Reread your draft. See whether each point is connected logically to the • Fathers should display high moral
main idea and the other points you are making. If needed, add transi- values.
tions-words and phrases that show how ideas fit together. • Wives should obey their husbands.
To connect points and information in time, use words like after,
• Children should obey and respect
before, first, later, soon, eventually, over time, as time passed, and then. To their parents.
show order of importance, use transitional words and phrases like first,
last, mainly, to begin with, and more important.

4. Proofread and Publish

Proofreading
If you create a bulleted or numbered list, be sure to capitalize and
punctuate the list correctly.
• Capitalization: It is always acceptable to capitalize the first
word of each item in the list.
• Punctuation: (1) If the items are sentences, put a period at the
end of each. (See the list in the tip above.) (2) If the items are not
complete sentences, you usually do not need any end punctuation.

Publishing
Share your explanation with students from another class. After they
read it, ask them to summarize your explanation. How well did they
undertand the points you wanted to make?

Practice and Apply

Use the steps and strategies in this workshop to write your
explanation.

CIVILIZATION IN INDIA AND CHINA 219