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.”
1 of 3
Patterns in Classical China
2 of 3
Patterns in Classical China


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
3 of 3
Patterns in Classical China
terra cotta army of
Shi Huangdi’s tomb
QUESTION SLIDE
Which 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
1 of 3
Religion & Culture

Traditionally, philosophy focused on
politics, obedience, balance

Three philosophies codified during
chaos of Zhou decline & warring states
2 of 3
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
3 of 3
Religion & Culture

Legalism
– pragmatic authoritarian discipline

Daoism
– mystical & spiritual balance w/ nature

Art & literature
– focused on precision

Science & math
– focused on practical applications
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?