Zhou and Qin Dynasties

Which dynasty replaced the Shang Dynasty?

• Han

• Qin

• Zhou

• Ming

Answer explanation

The Zhou Dynasty overthrew the Shang Dynasty around 1046 BCE, marking a significant transition in Chinese history. The Zhou established a new feudal system and claimed the Mandate of Heaven, legitimizing their rule.

What is the Mandate of Heaven?

• A military strategy

• A belief that rulers governed with Heaven's approval if they ruled justly

• A trade agreement between Zhou and Qin

• A religious festival

Answer explanation

The Mandate of Heaven is a philosophical concept in Chinese history that asserts rulers have divine approval to govern, contingent upon their just and moral rule. If they fail, they can lose this mandate.

Which philosophy focused on strict laws and harsh punishments?

• Confucianism

• Daoism

• Legalism

• Buddhism

Answer explanation

Legalism is a philosophy that emphasizes strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order in society. Unlike Confucianism and Daoism, which focus on moral values and harmony, Legalism prioritizes control through severe measures.

Who was the first emperor of Qin?

• King Wu

• Qin Shihuangdi

• Confucius

• Sun Tzu

Answer explanation

The first emperor of the Qin Dynasty was Qin Shihuangdi, who unified China in 221 BC. King Wu was a ruler of the Zhou Dynasty, while Confucius and Sun Tzu were influential philosophers and strategists, not emperors.

What structure was built during the Qin Dynasty for protection?

• The Great Pyramid

• The Silk Road

• The Forbidden City

• The Great Wall of China

Answer explanation

The Great Wall of China was built during the Qin Dynasty to protect against invasions from northern tribes. It is a significant architectural achievement aimed at safeguarding the Chinese states.

What was the Zhou's system of government?

• Democracy

• Centralized rule

• Feudalism

• Oligarchy

Answer explanation

The Zhou dynasty implemented a feudal system, where land was granted to nobles in exchange for loyalty and military service. This decentralized power structure allowed local lords to govern their territories while remaining subordinate to the king.

What was the status of merchants under the Qin Dynasty?

• Encouraged to trade with other empires

• Given high social status

• Deported and faced restrictions

• Recruited into the army

Answer explanation

Under the Qin Dynasty, merchants faced deportation and restrictions as the state prioritized agriculture and control over trade, viewing merchants as less valuable to society compared to farmers.

Which philosopher believed in social order based on respect and hierarchy?

• Laozi

• Confucius

• Sun Tzu

• Lord Shang

Answer explanation

Confucius emphasized the importance of social order through respect and hierarchy, advocating for a structured society where relationships are defined by roles and duties, making him the correct choice.

What led to the fall of the Zhou Dynasty?

• Invasions from Europe

• Weakening of kinship ties

• Economic collapse

• Rise of Buddhism

Answer explanation

The weakening of kinship ties among rulers led to fragmentation and loss of centralized power in the Zhou Dynasty, making it vulnerable to internal strife and external threats, ultimately contributing to its decline.

What material was used for money in the Zhou Dynasty?

• Silver coins

• Paper money

• Bronze coins

• Seashells

Answer explanation

During the Zhou Dynasty, bronze coins were widely used as currency, facilitating trade and economic growth. Silver coins and paper money were not common until later periods, while seashells were used in earlier times.