Ancient China
Franceschini
Common Core SS Standards addressed throughout the reading packet:
6H.1.3 Use primary and secondary sources to interpret various historical perspectives.
6H.2.1 Explain how invasions, conquests, and migrations affected various civilizations, societies and regions (e.g., Mongol invasion,
The Crusades, the Peopling of the Americas and Alexander the Great).
6H.2.3 Explain how innovation and/or technology transformed civilizations, societies and regions over time (e.g., agricultural
technology, weaponry, transportation and communication).
6H.2.4 Explain the role that key historical figures and cultural groups had in transforming society (e.g., Mansa Musa, Confucius,
Charlemagne and Qin Shi Huangdi
6G.1.1 Explain how the physical features and human characteristics of a place influenced the development of civilizations,
societies and regions (e.g., location near rivers and natural barriers, trading practices and spread of culture).
6G.1.4 (3.01, 3.03) Explain how and why civilizations, societies and regions have used, modified and adapted to their
environments (e.g., invention of tools, domestication of plants and animals, farming techniques and creation of dwellings).
6E.1.1 Explain how conflict, compromise, and negotiation over the availability of resources (natural, human and capital) impacted
the economic development of various civilizations, societies and regions (e.g., competition for scarce resources, unequal
distribution of wealth and the emergence of powerful trading networks).
6E.1.2 Explain how quality of life is impacted by economic choices of civilizations, societies and regions
6C&G.1.1 Explain the origins and structures of various governmental systems (e.g., democracy, absolute monarchy and
constitutional monarchy).
6C&G.1.2 Summarize the ideas that shaped political thought in various civilizations, societies and regions (e.g., divine right,
equality, liberty citizen participation and integration of religious principles).
6C&G.1.4 Compare the role (e.g., maintain order and enforce societal values and beliefs) and evolution of laws and legal systems
(e.g., need for and changing nature of codified system of laws and punishment) in various civilizations, societies and regions
6C.1.2 Explain how religion transformed various societies, civilizations and regions (e.g., beliefs, practices and spread of
Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism).
Common Core Reading Standards addressed throughout the reading packet:
 Locate and cite details, State main ideas and summarize.
 Determine meanings of words and phrases.
 Determine how information is presented (sequentially, comparatively, etc.).
 Integrate and analyze visuals (maps, charts, pictures) etc. with text.
Common Core Writing Standards addressed throughout the reading packet:
 Produce clear and coherent writing appropriate for the task.
 Use technology and internet to produce writing.
 Informative and Explanatory Writing in the context of SS
Unit Vocabulary:
Students should write these words in their vocabulary journal and write their meaning with pictures
(when possible) as we come across them in our readings.
 See Bold face words highlighted throughout the readings.
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Chinese History Part I > Geography
Objectives: SWBAT ID China’s major geographic features. SWBAT assess how the geography of China isolated it
and contributed to its unique culture. SWBAT compare China’s development to Egypt and other river valley
civilizations.
6G.1.1 Explain how the physical features and human characteristics of a place influenced the development of
civilizations, societies and regions (e.g., location near rivers and natural barriers, trading practices and spread of
culture).
6G.1.3 Compare distinguishing characteristics of various world regions (e.g., physical features, culture, political
organization and ethnic make-up.
6G.2.1 Use maps, charts, graphs, geographic data and available technology tools to draw conclusions about the
emergence, expansion and decline of civilizations, societies and regions
For thousands of years, the ancient Chinese thought they were pretty
much alone on the planet Earth. They knew there were people to the north,
the Felt Tent People - the Mongols - but they did not know that other
advanced ancient civilizations existed anywhere else.
China's natural barriers to the west, south, and east helped to protect
these early people from invasion. The geography isolated the Chinese from
the rest of the world. China's natural barriers to the east included the
China Sea and the Yellow Sea. Both are located in the Pacific Ocean. These
seas provided a huge coastline that protected China from invaders. They
also provided trade routes and easy access to food.
China's natural
barriers also included mountains such as the Himalayas and Snowy
Mountains to the southwest. These mountains were extremely high and
almost impossible to cross. To the north and the west were great deserts
such as the Gobi Desert and the Taklamakan Desert. As you can see, China
had many natural barriers, all of which helped to keep her isolated from the
rest of the world for many thousands of years.
China has one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Like most major
civilizations, Chinese civilization also began along fertile river valleys where
food could be grown. Not all of China's geography acted as barriers. Rivers
provided fertile soil and safe drinking water. China has two major river
systems: the Yellow River (Huang He) and the Yangtze River (Long
River). The Yangtze (Long River) is the third longest river in the world. It is
about 4000 miles long. Just like the Nile in Egypt, the Yangtze River floods
each year and leaves fertile soil along the banks. The Yangtze River has high
banks, which keeps homes safe from the annual flooding. The Huang He
(Yellow River) is about 3000 miles long. It also floods each year. The banks
along the Huang He River are low. Civilization in ancient China began along
the Yellow River about 5000 years ago. In China the Yellow River is known as
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"The Great Sorrow" because each year during the flood season, all homes
along the Huang He River were destroyed. Each year, the ancient Chinese
had to rebuild their homes and their lives. Over time, people learned the
techniques of flood control. Chinese people learned to work together to build
strong houses and walls. The rich began to build their homes high above the
river.
Like the ancient Babylonians, Sumerians and Egyptians the Chinese
would use the river to irrigate their crops.
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Essential Questions:
1. How did the geography of China isolate it and contribute to its unique
culture?
2. How did the early civilization of China compare to other early river
civilizations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia?
Map Questions:
1. Where do the Yellow River and Yangtze River empty?
2. Using directions, in which area of China are the Himalayas?
3. Using directions, in which area of China is the Gobi Desert?
4. Name two geographic features in eastern China.
Complete each sentence:
1. China's natural barriers to the east included the China Sea and the
_____
2. The Yellow River is also called the _____
3. The Yangtze River is also called _____
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4. Civilization in ancient China began along the Yellow River about _____
5. In China the Yellow River is known as ______ because each year
during the flood season, all homes along the Huang He River were
destroyed.
Chinese History Part II > Dynasties
Objectives: SWBAT ID the major dynasties of China
6H.2.4 Explain the role that key historical figures and cultural groups had in transforming society (e.g., Mansa
Musa, Confucius, Charlemagne and Qin Shi Huangdi
Ancient China covers over 11,000 years of history. Chinese civilization
started around 10,000 BCE, when a group called the Yangshao (yahng show)
settled near the Huang He River. Archaeologists have uncovered many
Yangshao villages in northern China. In one village, they found the remains of
farmhouses. The Huang He River was the birthplace of Chinese civilization.
China has been a land that has been ruled by dynasties for thousands
of years. A dynasty is a period of time which a certain family rules a nation.
It’s a family of Kings. When one emperor (king) died then his son would
become the new emperor. Some family dynasties ruled for hundreds of
years before a new dynasty replaced them. For thousands of years China
would be ruled by many different dynasties. When one family dynasty lost
control and became weak then a new family dynasty would fight to take
control. Each emperor often ruled with an iron fist. This meant they did not
give their people many rights.
China was ruled by many dynasties throughout its long history. Here
is a list of dynasties beginning with the earliest:
1. Xia Dynasty 2,000 BC -1500 BC
2. Shang Dynasty 1500 BC-1122 BC
3. Chou Dynasty 1122 BC- 256 BC
4. Period of disunity 256 BC- 221 BC
5. Ch’in Dynasty 221 BC- 206 BC
6. Han Dynasty
206 BC – 220 AD
7. Period of disunity 220-589
8. Sui Dynasty 589- 618
9. T’ang Dynasty
618-907
10. Period of disunity
907- 960
11. Sung Dynasty 960-1279
12. Yuan Dynasty
1279- 1368
13. Ming Dynasty
1368- 1644
14. Ch’ing Dynasty (Qing) 1644-1911
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Questions:
1. What was the first dynasty?
2. What was the last dynasty?
3. How many periods of disunity were there?
4. Which river gave birth to Chinese civilization?
It can get very confusing and also frustrating sometimes to remember
these dynasties because different people refer to the same blocks of time
by different names. For example, someone might say "in Shang times" or "in
Han times", or they might say "in the Bronze Age" or "in the Age of Division".
They might say in the Chou Dynasty (when the Chou family ruled) or in the
Zhou Dynasty (when the Zhou family ruled). But, the Chou and Zhou
Dynasties were the same dynasty, only spelled differently. You can see why
this might be confusing!
So, before we go any further, we need a cheat sheet of who's who in ancient
China.
Cheat Sheet: Who's Who in Ancient China
Time
Period
Early
10,0001500
BCE
Dynasty
Quick Glimpse
Xia(Hsia)
Lungshan people, the great engineers
Silk, potters wheel, baked brick houses, flood
control, irrigation
Rich Nobles & Poor
Farmers
Oracle Bones
(Shang)
Mandate of Heaven
(Chou)
Ancestor Worship
Chariots, bowmen,
great royal hunts,
bronze candlesticks,
feudal lords, jade
carvings,
Chinese writing
(pictographs),
Bronze
Age
Shang
1500-600
BCE
Chou(Zhou)
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calligraphy
Classical Late Chou
Age
600
Ch'in(Qin)
BCE200 CE Han
Age of
Division
200-600
CE
A bunch of
dynasties
Building the Great
Wall
First Emperor (Qin)
Confucius & Taoism
(Chou)
Silk Road (Han)
Central government,
public schools,
mirrors, oil lamps,
fancy shoes,
fireplaces, window
frames with colored
glass,
marble staircases
Chinese New Year &
Lantern Festival
Chinese Zodiac
Hu the Tiger (who reminds me of Jaba the
Hut in Star Wars!)
Invention of gunpowder
Tea! (Confucius probably never tasted tea,
and it really didn't become popular until
T'ang times, but this era is when it first
started to be enjoyed.)
The Golden Age!
Early
Medieval
Period
T'ang
600-900
CE
Furniture, ceramics, spoons, amber,
turquoise, gold, silver, goblets, teacups,
sports, games, music, dancing, even a kind
of football, and a neat form of airconditioning. Fancy hats, silk robes, jade
belts, Buddhism
Tea was used as barter with areas in
Mongolia for horses in an exchange called
the "Tea and Horse" Policy.
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Questions- Use the cheat sheet.
1. During which dynasty did Confucius live?
2. During which dynasties did the Bronze Age occur?
3. During which dynasty did the building of the Great Wall begin?
4. What was the Age of division?
5. Which dynasty occurred during the early Medieval Period?
The Dynasties
Objectives: SWBAT ID the major dynasties of China, explain accomplishments and ID major people of each.
The Xia Dynasty-2,000 BC -1500 BC
Objectives: SWBAT explain why very is little is known about the Xia Dynasty.
6H.2.3 Explain how innovation and/or technology transformed civilizations, societies and regions over time (e.g.,
agricultural technology, weaponry, transportation and communication).
About 3,000 BCE the Lungshan people appeared. The Lungshan were
very advanced for their time. They harvested silk, and used it to weave fine
fabrics. They used the potter’s wheel. They baked strong bricks in ovens,
and used them to build their homes. They worked together on flood control
and irrigation projects. They had great engineering skills. Legend has it that
their "Great Engineer", Yu, founded the Xia Dynasty in about 2,000 BCE.
There are no written records of life during the Xia Dynasty. Our knowledge
of these people comes from ruins of their town, and ancient stories and
legends.
Question:
1. Why is very little known about the Xia Dynasty?
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Shang (1500 BC-1122 BC) and Chou (1122 BC- 256 BC)
Dynasties
Objectives: SWBAT explain the Mandate of Heaven and evaluate its impact on Chinese history. SWBAT describe
accomplishments of the Shang and Chou dynasties. SWBAT examine Chou government and economic structure.
6H.2.4 Explain the role that key historical figures and cultural groups had in transforming society (e.g., Mansa
Musa, Confucius, Charlemagne and Qin Shi Huangdi
6E.1.2 Explain how quality of life is impacted by economic choices of civilizations, societies and regions
6C&G.1.1 Explain the origins and structures of various governmental systems (e.g., democracy, absolute monarchy
and constitutional monarchy).
6C.1.3 Summarize systems of social structure within various civilizations and societies over time (e.g., Roman class
structure, Indian caste system and feudal, matrilineal and patrilineal societies).
The Shang Dynasty ruled China from around 1500 B.C. until 1100 B.C.
During this 400 year period of history, Chinese tradition states that 30
separate kings ruled from a succession of 7 different capitals. Only a few of
these capitals have been located and excavated by archeologists. One of
the most important contributions made during the period that the Shang
Dynasty ruled China was the invention of writing. The earliest written
records found in China come from this time period.
One of the most important philosophies in Chinese history also
developed during the Shang Dynasty- The Mandate of Heaven. This gave
the emperor the right to rule. The Chinese believed that heaven or a godly
force ruled the universe. Heaven gave the emperor the right to rule as long
as the emperor ruled wisely and protected his people. If he did not rule
wisely and protect the people, then the people did not have to listen to him.
When this happened there was usually a civil war and the person who
overthrew the emperor now became emperor and he had the new Mandate of
Heaven. A new family dynasty now began.
The Chou (Zhou) family was able to defeat and overthrow the last
Shang Dynasty king in 1028 B.C. They claimed that the Shang Dynasty had
lost the Mandate of Heaven due to their poor governing. The Chou Dynasty
would become the longest lasting dynasty in Chinese history, lasting over 800
years.
The Zhou set up a new economy, rearranging the affairs of the
kingdom. As they did so, the borders of their kingdom swelled, and they
were able to maintain control over the people they conquered effectively.
Zhou kings assigned noblemen, who were usually members of the royal family,
to serve as regional rulers. These noblemen owned the land and were given
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absolute authority over it. The peasants could not own land, but instead
worked the land for the noblemen. This form of government worked well for
several hundred years. However, overtime the king slowly became less
powerful, while the noblemen grew in power. In 771 B.C., while fighting
against a rebellion, the Zhou armies suffered a terrible defeat. As a result,
the Zhou Dynasty lost even more power to the noblemen. They managed to
hang on to power for another 500 years. Then, in 256 B.C., the Zhou Dynasty
was finally overthrown.
In conclusion, Shang and Chou times are known for their use of jade,
bronze, horse-drawn chariots, ancestor worship, highly organized armies,
and human sacrifice. Cities were surrounded by protective walls. Rich
nobles owned and rule the land. Inside these walled cities lived the rulers,
priests, and warriors. Merchants and craftsmen lived in mud houses built up
against the outside walls of the cities. Farmers lived in nearby villages.
Chopsticks were invented, which changed the way people ate their food.
Family for both the rich and the poor was all important. The oldest male was
the head of the family. If one member of a family did something wrong, the
entire family was in disgrace. Amongst the nobles, marriages were arranged
to strengthen or to create a union between two clans or families. The role
of the woman was to be gentle, calm, respectful, and to obey her husband. In
ancient China, home and family were so important that they were nearly
sacred.
Essential Questions:
1. Explain the Mandate of Heaven.
2. How did the Mandate of Heaven give legitimacy for the Chou to
overthrow the Shang?
3. How did the Chou organize their government and economy?
Complete each sentence:
1. One of the most important philosophies in Chinese history also
developed during the Shang Dynasty called _____…
2. The Chou claimed that the Shang Dynasty had lost the Mandate of
Heaven due to their _____
3. The peasants worked for the _____
4. The Zhou Dynasty was finally overthrown_____
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The Shang Lands
The Chou Lands
The Qin (Chin) Dynasty-221 BC- 206 BC
Objectives: SWBAT summarize accomplishments and changes made by Qin (poster boards, trees, etc.) SWBAT
explain how Qin was able to have total control. SWBAT analyze why they think the qin Dynasty was short-lived.
6H.2.4 Explain the role that key historical figures and cultural groups had in transforming society (e.g., Mansa
Musa, Confucius, Charlemagne and Qin Shi Huangdi.
6E.1.1 Explain how conflict, compromise, and negotiation over the availability of resources (natural, human and
capital) impacted the economic development of various civilizations, societies and regions (e.g., competition for
scarce resources, unequal distribution of wealth and the emergence of powerful trading networks).
6C&G.1. Explain the origins and structures of various governmental systems (e.g., democracy, absolute monarchy
and constitutional monarchy).
As you can see some dynasties ruled for a long time while others for only
a short time. There were also periods of disunity. These were times when
the Chinese people often fought between themselves under lesser kings who
were fighting to try and get control.
By 221 B.C., a man by the name of Qin had overthrown all remaining
members of the Zhou Dynasty, and all other opposition, allowing him to place
himself as the ruler of China. The Qin Dynasty would only last about 15 years.
Yet, during these short years, this dynasty would make changes that would
affect the history of China for thousands of years.
In order to show his importance and power, Qin added a new name to his
own. He began calling himself Qin Shi Huangdi, which means Qin, the first
emperor of China. So influential was Qin, that the name of the nation, China,
is a derivative of his name.
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Qin Shi Huangdi was an emperor who defeated many lesser leaders
and united the Chinese people as one. Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi began many
of the ideas of government that the Chinese people would follow for the
next 2,000 years. The following are his accomplishments and changes:
1. Absolute Power- The emperor was to have absolute power. This
meant that the emperor had total control over decisions for the
country. Qin Shi Huangdi again reorganized the affairs of China.
Instead of a system of noblemen, Qin wanted everything to be under
his direct authority and control.
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He established a strict set of written laws that were recognized throughout China
He set up military control in each region of China. They made sure everyone
followed the laws and also made sure local noblemen could not rebel against the
emperor.
He took nobles land. Anyone who argued was put to death or put to work on the
Great Wall.
Peasants were given jobs. If they did not do it or do it well, they too were put to
death or sent to work on the Great Wall.
Standardization: He introduced one system of weights, measures, money,
written language, and laws. Nobody argued with him.
Qin practiced total censorship. Qin practiced total censorship. He persecuted
scholars and destroyed books. He defined useless books as any book about
anything except books about medicine, agriculture, or prophecy. Useless books
were burned. Over 400 scholars who refused to turn in books were either buried
alive or sent to work on the wall. Qin did not believe in any education for the
common man. According to Qin, the more time people spent studying, the less
time they had to grow food. He especially disliked the teachings of Confucius. He
had all Confucius' books burned.
2. Bureaucracies- Qin Shi Huangdi created specialized agencies called
bureaucracies. For example he had the department of defense. He
divided his empire into 36 provinces. Each province was divided into
districts. He put two government officials in charge of each province.
It was their job to put strong people in charge of each district.
3. Spy System-Qin Shi Huangdi created a Spy System to make sure
everyone did their job correctly. People had to spy on each other. It
was the law. People had to spy on each at work and at home in their
neighborhood or village. If people turned in lawbreakers, they were
rewarded. If they did not, they were executed. It was a simple
system, and it worked very well in maintaining his power.
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4. Qin Building Projects- The Qin emperor set out to build up China into
the most glorious nation on Earth. In order to do this he needed labor.
Qin used the peasants, forcing them to work under slave conditions, so
that he could build roads, bridges, canals, buildings, and his most
famous building project of all, the Great Wall of China. It was built
in northern China to keep the Mongols and other people from the
north from invading. It was begun by Qin but the Chinese continued
to work on it for over 1700 years. By the time it was finished it was
over 30 feet high, 50 feet wide and 3,500 miles long. It is one of the
great wonders of the world still today. Astronauts can actually see it
from space.
Emperor Qin
The Great Wall of China
Qin did not think his rule was cruel. He said, "A thousand may die so
that a million may live." He built roads, canals, and bridges. His public works
projects probably saved millions of lives that would have been lost to floods
and famine. Although many people died building the Great Wall, it did
provide an advantage in war.
No rebellion occurred during his rule. He died in 210 BCE. Once he was
dead, his son took over. His son did not rule for long. People revolted again
the Qin government all over the countryside. The peasant who led that
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revolt became the new emperor. His dynasty was called the Han Dynasty.
Life vastly improved during the Han Dynasty.
Essential Questions:
1. How was Qin able to govern all of China without rebellion?
2. Why do you think the people of China rebelled once Emperor Qin died.
Assignment: Design a poster board that highlights the accomplishments and
changes of Qin Shi Huangdi.
The Han Dynasty- 206 BC – 220 AD
Objectives: SWBAT justify the Han rise to power. SWBAT examine the reforms set forth by Emperor Wudi
6H.2.4 Explain the role that key historical figures and cultural groups had in transforming society (e.g., Mansa
Musa, Confucius, Charlemagne and Qin Shi Huangdi.
6C&G.1. Explain the origins and structures of various governmental systems (e.g., democracy, absolute monarchy
and constitutional monarchy).
In the year 206 B.C., a new dynasty began to rule China. The Han
Dynasty was one of the greatest dynasties. The Han family ruled China for
almost 400 years. They ruled from about 206 BC to about 220 AD. During
the Han Dynasty, China conquered much of Asia and it was during the Han
Dynasty that China became rich and powerful. It began trading with people
from the west and later with Europeans.
The Han Dynasty was led by a peasant whose name was Liu Bang. Liu
Bang had grown tired of the brutal leadership of the Qin Dynasty. Many
other people also were tired of the Qin. Liu Bang proclaimed that the Qin
had lost the mandate of heaven, or the right to rule the nation. He was able
to overthrow them and establish himself as the new emperor of China, and
the first emperor of the Han Dynasty.
In 139 B.C., a Han emperor by the name of Wudi sent out one of his
generals to explore other nations. He told Wudi about stories he had heard
from the nomadic tribes of a great civilization to the West that equaled the
glory of China. This was the first time Wudi had heard anything of any other
civilizations. Wudi was a smart and wise ruler, who saw the potential for
trade between the two cultures.
Contact with civilizations such as India
led to cultural exchange of goods and ideas. It was at this time that
Buddhism (religion) was introduced to China from India.
During the rule of the Han emperors, China enjoyed a 400 year period
of peace and prosperity. This period of time is known as Pax Sinica, which
means “Chinese Peace.” During this time, the Han emperors established a
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strong central government that was designed to help the people and protect
them.
The Han also reformed civil service (running of the government).
They abolished the practice of giving powerful government positions to
members of the royal family. They wanted the most capable leaders to
control government. To insure that the most talented leaders were given
government posts, the Han Emperor Wudi instituted a series of written
exams. Anyone could take the tests. Those who received the highest scores
were given posts in the government.
By 220 A.D., the Han Dynasty had fallen into a weakened state.
Warriors from competing areas began fighting one another, throwing China
into a period of civil war that would last for many years.Even though the Han
Dynasty had ended, many of the contributions made by this dynasty would
become interwoven into Chinese culture and would endure through the ages
to modern times.
Essential Questions:
1. How did Liu Bang justify overthrowing the Qin?
2. Explain the accomplishments and reforms of Emperor Wudi.
The Remaining Dynasties
Objectives: SWBAT summarize accomplishments of remaining dynasties.
6H.2.1 Explain how invasions, conquests, and migrations affected various civilizations, societies and regions (e.g.,
Mongol invasion, The Crusades, the Peopling of the Americas and Alexander the Great).
Following the fall of the Han Dynasty, China went into a period of disunity
for about two hundred years where different regions were ruled by
different warlords who fought one another. The Sui Dynasty (589- 618)
regained control of China but was short lived. The T’ang Dynasty (618-907)
lasted longer. During this dynasty China increased in size by adding Korea.
Education, literature and the arts flourished. Wu Chao became the only
empress to rule China during this dynasty.
Following the T’ang Dynasty, China had four other major dynasties: the
Sung Dynasty (960-1279) the Yuan Dynasty (1279- 1368) the Ming Dynasty
(1368- 1644) and the Ch’ing Dynasty (Qing) (1644-1911). During these
dynasties China continued to grow culturally, economically and technologically.
Gun powder, moveable type and an inoculation against smallpox were just a
few advancements.
A very important aspect of the Sung Dynasty and even part of the
Yuan Dynasty was the influence of other tribes. During the early part of
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the Sung Dynasty, nomads from the north invaded northern China and
actually captured it. These nomads from Manchuria began the Ch’in Empire
in the North with Peking as their capital city. The Sung remained in the
south. China was divided between these two empires; The Ch’in in the north
and the Sung in the south.
Later during the 13th century Genghis Khan of the Mongol tribe, from
what is today Mongolia, began conquering much of northern Ch’in China.
Under his grandson, Kublai Khan, The Mongols controlled and conquered Sung
China. The Mongols also controlled other parts of Asia to the west. The
Mongolian empire was the largest ever. Kublai Khan built, cities, roads,
bridges canals and helped the poor. Despite this, the Chinese never accepted
the Mongols because they felt they were inferior. However, it wasn’t until
the Ming Dynasty that the Mongols became weak enough to conquer and
expel from China.
Questions:
1. What was the period of disunity?
2. Who was Wu Chao
3. Explain what happened to China during the Sung Dynasty.
4. Who were Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan?
Complete each sentence:
1. The ________ _____________ was short-lived.
2. _____________ became the only empress to rule China during this
dynasty.
3. A very important aspect of the Sung Dynasty and even part of the
Yuan Dynasty was the influence of other __________
4. Later during the _____ century Genghis Khan of the Mongol tribe,
from what is today _____, began conquering much of northern Ch’in
China.
5. The _____ empire was the largest ever.
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Genghis Khan
Kublai Khan
Chinese History Part III- The Religions and the Beliefs
Confucianism
Objectives: SWBAT ID who Confucius was and retell the main idea of Confucianism
6H.2.4 Explain the role that key historical figures and cultural groups had in transforming society (e.g., Mansa
Musa, Confucius, Charlemagne and Qin Shi Huangdi
6C.1.2 Explain how religion transformed various societies, civilizations and regions (e.g., beliefs, practices and
spread of Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism).
In ancient China around 2,500 years ago there was a great teacher by
the name of Confucius. He lived during the late Chou Dynasty. He was very
important because he set a guideline of morals and values that all Chinese
people were to live by. Morals and values refer to how a person is supposed
to behave in society. Sometimes we call them ethics. These ethical beliefs
became part of Chinese society and culture for thousands of years. Today
the Chinese still believe in his teachings.
Confucianism is not a religion. It is a philosophy. What is the
difference between a religion and a philosophy? Religions refer to a belief
in a god or many gods. Philosophy just refers to what people believe to be
correct or true. For example, the belief that all people are created equal is
a philosophy not a religion. Confucius felt that China was a large family and
that the emperor was like a father. To Confucius, the family was the most
important thing in society. The family taught correct behavior and loyalty.
The father was the head of the family. He was responsible for teaching
morals and values to the family and setting a good example. He did this by
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learning as much as he could, being kind, being honest and being helpful
toward others. The emperor, just like the father was to do all these things
for the people of his nation. Confucius felt that all humans were good and
that if everyone followed these beliefs then there would be a perfect
society. People became bad when they did not follow these guidelines and
beliefs. Confucianism believed that the whole society was more important
than any one individual person was.
Confucius
Essential Questions:
1) Who was Confucius and why was he important?
2) What is the difference between a religion and a philosophy? Why is
Confucianism considered a philosophy?
3) What did Confucius believe was the most important thing in society?
4) According to Confucius, how could there be a perfect society?
Taoism
Objectives: SWBAT contrast the beliefs o Taoism with Confucianism.
6H.2.4 Explain the role that key historical figures and cultural groups had in transforming society (e.g., Mansa
Musa, Confucius, Charlemagne and Qin Shi Huangdi
6C.1.2 Explain how religion transformed various societies, civilizations and regions (e.g., beliefs, practices and
spread of Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism).
A contemporary to Confucius was a teacher named Laozi. He created
another philosophy or belief system of the Chou Period was Taoism (Daoism).
Many of the beliefs of Taoism are the opposite of Confucianism. Unlike
Confucianism, Taoism taught that the individual was more important than the
family. The most important thing was not good government, but rather, the
most important thing for people was nature. People needed to respect
nature and live in harmony with it. Taoists believe that people should not try
to change things through government because no matter how hard you try a
person cannot change nature. Rather than trying to control nature people
need to accept nature and live with it. In other words people should just
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accept whatever happens in life. This is very different from Confucianism
which taught people to believe that a person must learn as much as possible
in order to control things in life.
Many Chinese people believed in both of these teachings and took a
little bit from each one. Many Chinese practiced both Confucianism and
Daoism. Confucianism taught them how to behave towards one another, while
Daoism taught them how to behave towards the natural world and with
themselves personally.
Essential Question:
1. How doe Taoism differ from Confucianism?
Other Questions:
1) What is the most important thing in society to a person who follows
Confucius? What is the most important to a Daoist?
2) Why do Daoists believe trying to change things through government is
not a good idea?
3) Which philosophy do you like better? Why?
Buddhism
Objectives: SWBAT explain the significance of Siddhartha Gautama. SDWBAT interpret the 4 Noble Truths and
the 8 Fold Path. SWBAT argue ad justfy opinions about Buddhist philosophy of life.
6H.2.4 Explain the role that key historical figures and cultural groups had in transforming society (e.g., Mansa
Musa, Confucius, Charlemagne and Qin Shi Huangdi
6C.1.2 Explain how religion transformed various societies, civilizations and regions (e.g., beliefs, practices and
spread of Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism).
Part 1
Buddhism actually began in India but most of the people of India
remained Hindus. However, Buddhism did spread to both East Asia and
Southeast Asia and became the predominant (most popular) religion.
A prince from Nepal named Siddhartha Gautama began Buddhism. He
began his religion around 500BC. He was a very rich man. He wanted to
know why there was so much suffering and pain in the world. Why couldn’t
everyone be happy? One day he had a vision. He became very concerned
about the poor. He then gave up all of his wealth and began to spread his
new beliefs. He then changed his name to Buddha, which means the
enlightened one or in other words, the one who knows everything.
Essential Question:
1. Who was Siddhartha Gautama and why was he important?
Complete each sentence:
1. Siddhartha Gautama changed his name to ____________
2. Buddhism actually began in ____________________.
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3. Siddhartha Gautama wanted to know why there was so much
______________ and _______________ in the world.
Part 2
Buddhism is a bit different than other religions. It does not have a
belief in a supreme god. Buddhism accepts the Hindu beliefs of Karma and
reincarnation, but it rejects the caste system.1 Buddha was concerned with
all human suffering. He did not like the caste system because it kept people
in bad situations.
Buddha based his religion on four basic beliefs. He called these the
Four Noble Truths:
1) Our lives are full of pain and suffering.
2) Our pain and suffering are caused by our desire to have things.
3) We need to get rid of our desire to have things in order to end our pain
and suffering.
4) We must follow the eight-fold path in order to end our desire to have
things. (see next reading for eight-fold path)
Basically what Buddhism teaches is that living as human beings is very
painful for our bodies, minds and souls. People are reincarnated many times
into this terrible world. People suffer because they want to own and control
too many things. In order to end this pain and suffering a person needs to
stop wanting to own and control things. For example, many people want nice
cars. But Buddha feels that wanting a car and then having a car will never
make a person happy forever.
Essential Question:
1. What do the 4 Noble Truths do?
Complete each sentence:
1. Buddhism accepts the Hindu beliefs of _______________ and
reincarnation.
2. Buddhism rejects the Hind belief in the ____________ system
3. Karma refers to a how a person’s behavior in this life will affect their
next __________.
Reincarnation refers to your soul getting reborn into another body. Karma refers to a how a person’s
behavior in this life will affect their next life and caste system puts people into different social groups in
which they cannot ever move out of during their life.
1
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4. In Hinduism, the _____________ system puts people into different
social groups in which they cannot ever move out of during their life.
5. ___________ is the Hindu belief of the soul getting reborn into
another body
Buddhism Part 3
Buddhists feel a person must end their desire to own things for
themselves. To do this a person must follow The Eight-Fold Path. These
are eight things all people must do in order to end their desire to own
material things. If a person follows this path then he/she can end all desire
to want things. These are the eight things:
1) talk correctly
2) act correctly
3) see things correctly
4) have good intentions
5) be good at your work
6) always try your hardest
7) concentrate hard on all things you do
8) always think about what you do
If a person follows these eight steps in life then a person will reach
nirvana. Nirvana is the perfect state of happiness where a person does not
have any desires. The only thing that matters is happiness. To be happy, a
person needs nothing. Once a person reaches nirvana then they never need
to be reborn again. The cycle of reincarnation can end (this is very similar
to the Hindu belief).
Buddhism spread quickly amongst the poor people because it offered
people a way to be happy forever even though they had nothing. Today
there are over 300 million people who follow Buddhism, most of whom live in
East Asia and Southeast Asia.
Essential Question:
1. What is the ultimate goal for a Buddhist by following the Eight Fold
Path?
2. Why do you think Buddhism appeals to the poor?
Activity:
 Create posters that summarize and highlight the 4 Noble
Truths and the 8 Fold Path
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Argumentative Writing Prompt:
 Do you agree or disagree with the ideas of Buddhism. Consider
and analyze the Four Noble Truths, the Eight Fold Path and the
idea of Nirvanna.
 You should have the following in your essay:
a. Introduction- Summarize what Buddhism is and given your
opinion.
b. Body – Support your opinion and argument with details.
c. Conclusion- Restate the main ideas using different words and
expressions
Accomplishments of Ancient China
Chinese civilization had many great accomplishments. The world
learned many things from the Chinese. China invented gunpowder. The
Chinese were the first to make paper. The Chinese also developed a very
advanced system of writing by making thousands of signs. They were the
first to print copies of books. Europeans didn’t do this until hundreds of
years later.
The Chinese also knew how to make many things. They made weapons
and tools out of metal. Some weapons and tools created by the Chinese
include the gun, crossbow, hammer, wheelbarrow, compass, sundials and
clocks. They were one of the first to make cloth from plants and make it
into clothing. They also learned to use clay to make pottery and dishes. In
China there are many earthquakes. The Chinese developed the first
seismograph. Seismograph measures how powerful an earthquake is. By
filling pottery with water and measuring how much water came out during an
earthquake they were able to tell how strong the earthquake was.
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