Why did the Chinese Empire last so long

Why did the Chinese Empire last so long?: 

Why did the Chinese Empire last so long? World History 1 David Peal Katherine Thomas High School

Geography provided protection: 

Geography provided protection

Geographical features: 

Geographical features Northern and southern _________ valleys Huang He River (China’s Sorrow), also known as the _________ River (2,500 miles long) __________ River (3,000 miles long ) ________in West ( Taklamakan ) and North (Gobi) ___________ in south and east – 2/3 of country; Tibetan plateau, Himalayas Today, China is slightly larger than the U.S. but has five times the population How does China feed that many people?

China and the U.S. (today) compared: 

China and the U.S. (today) compared

Major rivers supported agriculture: 

Major rivers supported agriculture Source: http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/china/geog/M_rivr.htm

Geography and history: 

Geography and history Mountains protected China from ________ coming from the south and west. China was open to invaders from the north and east China was open to contact with cultures in southeastern Asia China exerted influence on farming, culture, beliefs in Vietnam and Cambodia Northern and Southern China were ________: South was hot (disease) Overland transport was expensive

Grand Canal: 

Grand Canal Human features connected the country. The _________ Canal finally linked the North and South. It was completed by the Sui Dynasty in the 600s. It was 1,114 miles long, and had 60 bridges and 24 locks.

Agriculture fed a large population: 

Agriculture fed a large population Agriculture was __________: The Chinese got as much food from as little land as possible. They used… Irrigation, with dikes, to bring water to fields Terraced farming (picture) What they grew Grain in the north (millet and barley) Rice in the south (rice) Vegetables : Soybean, beans

Terraced agriculture: 

Terraced agriculture

Irrigation brought water to the fields: 

Irrigation brought water to the fields

Valuable resources enabled China to trade with other countries: 

Valuable resources enabled China to trade with other countries S________ P_________ Paper Cotton Tea Gunpowder

From trade and government grew cities.: 

From trade and government grew cities. So much food was grown that people could live in cities The first big city was Anyang. Its purpose was religious. Other cities were supported by trade. The capital city changed several times.

Writing made communication possible within a large country.: 

Writing made communication possible within a large country. First writing– oracle bones “Priests” wrote questions on oxen bones or inside of tortoise shells. They pressed hot bronze o nto surface until it cracked. They then interpreted the cracks to mean yes or no. Writing also found on objects in tombs A common writing system gave the government more control of whole country.

Beliefs: Confucianism: 

Beliefs: Confucianism Confucius (551-479 BCE ) appropriate conduct reverence for ancestors respect for fathers and rulers China’s beliefs co-exist; one belief is not better than another.

Beliefs: Buddhism: 

Beliefs: Buddhism Buddhism – developed in India, spread along Silk Road and into China during the Han dynasty

Different beliefs were able to coexist.: 

Different beliefs were able to coexist. Buddhists beliefs were about individuals and how they should feel and think about themselves and others Confucian beliefs were about the needs of family and society These beliefs tolerated each other – and other beliefs, too!

China had strong rulers.: 

China had strong rulers. A dynasty is an extended family (clan) Dynasties got their power from ancestors and with nature spirits. It was important to stay on good terms with ancestors and nature!!! The bureaucracy collected taxes, organized the army, and maintained order Confucian principles – government officials served society Competitive exams were used to select the best scholars to become government officials In strong dynasties, Confucian ideas were more important; when government was weak, Buddhism was weaker.

Strong dynasties solved problems of empire-building: 

Strong dynasties solved problems of empire-building They kept enemies out Nomads were the main enemy Fought them Bought them off Great Wall tried to keep them out They kept rich landowners (nobles) from getting too strong Took care of peasants Made bureaucrats stronger than nobles

Dynasties weren’t just strong, they were flexible: 

Dynasties weren’t just strong, they were flexible They could bring enemies, like the nomads, into the system. They could use ideas of both Confucius to increase their power Confucius: his ideas were taught to bureaucrats (Han dynasty) Buddha: his ideas taught ideals of calm living and sensitivity to others (Tang dynasty) Capital cities moved frequently over time

Most important…peaceful change of government was possible.: 

Most important…peaceful change of government was possible. Power was based on heavenly approval (Mandate of Heaven) Power could be “withdrawn” (taken away) If rulers were weak, people thought their power had been taken away, and it was OK to rebel In Europe, kings and queens believed their power came from God. How is this idea different from the Mandate of Heaven?

Slide 21: 

Han Empire Tang Empire Mongol Empire Ming Empire Ming Empire