Ancient China Unit Review Guide
I can explain the impact of geography on the development of civilization in Ancient China
1.
Compare and contrast Inner China and Outer China. Why did settlers choose this area of China to establish
their civilization? Justify using evidence.
Outer China contains the Tibet-Qinghai Plateau, Taklimakan Desert, and Gobi Desert. Outer China
contains harsh climates and treacherous terrains that make civilization undesirable.
Inner China contains primarily the North China Plain and the Chang Jiang Basins. Being a land of rolling
hills, river valleys, and plains makes this area much more desirable for civilization.
2.
Imagine you are a settler in ancient China. Explain why the river regions would be an attractive area in
which to establish an agricultural society.
As we have discussed throughout this year, civilizations settle near rivers due to availability of freshwater,
irrigation and the floods from these rivers also enrich the soil.
3.
Describe the geographical features that make up the Plateau of Tibet.
The Plateau of Tibet is a rocky land surrounded by towering mountains.
4.
Compare and contrast the Taklimakan and Gobi Deserts. How are they similar? Different?
Similarities – Both vast deserts, both are harsh places to live and difficult to cross
Differences – Gobi Desert is larger, Taklimakan contains large sand dunes as opposed the stony terrain of
the Gobi Desert.
I can identify, compare, and contrast the Shang, Zhou, Qin and Han dynasties of Ancient China
1.
Imagine you are a noble in the Shang Dynasty, who is concerned with showing respect to your ancestors.
Explain how you would make big decisions that might impact the kingdom.
During the Shang Dynasty, nobles would attempt to contact to their ancient ancestors by inscribing
messages to their ancient ancestors on oracle bones for advice.
2.
Describe the relationship between the Shang and the Zhou Dynasties.
With the Shang dynasty weakening and in disarray, the Zhou dynasty was able to easily take over.
3.
What role did the Mandate of Heaven play in the rise and fall of the dynasties of Ancient China?
The Mandate of Heaven basically worked like this; a leader gains power, as long as everything goes fine
nobody questions their power, the leader becomes corrupt and loses favor with his followers, a natural
disaster occurs such as an earthquake or famine, the people blame this on the gods becoming unhappy with
the leadership, the leader is then removed from power, and lastly a new leader is placed in power and the
whole thing starts again.
4.
Identify which of the three philosophies of Ancient China influenced the Qin and Han dynasties the most,
and describe their impact.
Qin Dynasty – Very much influenced by Legalism, the emperor was very cruel to his followers
Han Dynasty - Very much influenced by Confucianism, people are hired based on qualifications not just
by their family name.
I can describe the impact of the Silk Road on the Ancient World
1.
Explain why silk was such an important item to the ancient world, especially China.
Only the Chinese knew the secrets of making silk and therefore could charge high prices of gold and other
goods for it.
2.
Buddhism took root and flourished in Ancient China. How did the Silk Road help it to spread out of India?
China and India traded a great deal. While traveling back and forth between the countries, Buddhism
spread from India to China
3.
How do the Five Themes of Geography apply to the Silk Road?
The movement theme is the most prominent theme that can be applied and not just based on goods but
ideas as well.
I can identify and describe the main teachings of Buddhism
1.
Imagine that you are a new convert to Buddhism. Describe what you are trying to achieve, and how
Buddhism will impact your life.
The whole point of Buddhism is to become awakened and reach enlightenment.
2.
Describe the Buddha’s life, and how he attained enlightenment.
(Very short summary)
Before the birth of Prince Siddhartha his mother had a strange dream that was interpreted to mean their son
could go down two paths; one that leads to absolute power, the other will lead to become the Buddha.
After he is born his dad spoils him so he never witnesses the suffering in the world to try to convince him
to not choose the path of the Buddha. After the prince is older and a father himself, the king gives him the
freedom to go outside of the royal palace that led to him noticing three forms of suffering (aging, sickness,
and death.) These experiences led him down the path of becoming the Buddha.
3.
List the Four Noble Truths. How would you summarize them into one sentence?
1.
Suffering is present in all things, and nothing lasts forever.
2.
Suffering is caused by cravings (desires and wants)
3.
The way to end suffering is to give up all cravings.
4.
The way to give up all cravings is to live life according to the Eightfold Path.
I can identify and describe Confucianism, Doaism, and Legalism
1.
List and describe the five relationships identified by Confucius. What does he value most highly?
“R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me” Ok, you probably have no idea what that means but
respect is definitely what he valued most highly.
5 basic relationships
A. Ruler and Subject
B. Husband and wife
C. Father and son
D. Older sibling and younger sibling
E. Friend and friend
2.
If you were following the Dao, describe how you would live your life.
If you follow the Dao, then you must achieve harmony with nature.
3.
Describe how Confucianism and Legalism impacted the government of China.
Go back to number 4 in the 2nd section.