WHI: Topic 03: Ancient China CC

A powerful military and extensive trade routes

A centralized government and a core of bureaucrats

Advanced technology and widespread literacy

A democratic system with elected officials

Empress Cixi

Empress Wu

Empress Xiaozhuang

Empress Lü

Shang Dynasty

Qin Dynasty

Zhou Dynasty

Han Dynasty

Han Dynasty

Ming Dynasty

Qin Dynasty

Tang Dynasty

Avoiding extravagance in personal behavior.

Ruling largely according to Confucian principles.

Implementing harsh punishments for criticizing the government.

Stopping the burning of books.

It was immediately embraced by the powerful kings of the Warring States period.

It was rejected entirely and never influenced Chinese society.

It was eventually adopted and became the foundation for Chinese government and education.

It was only practiced by a small group of scholars and had no widespread impact.

Achieving personal wealth and power.

Knowing one's place in hierarchical relationships and acting accordingly.

Challenging existing social structures for equality.

Prioritizing individual freedom above all else.

They believed that an emperor's proper behavior ensured the Mandate of Heaven, while improper behavior led to its loss.

They argued that the Mandate of Heaven was predetermined and unaffected by an emperor's actions.

They stated that only military strength could maintain the Mandate of Heaven, not moral conduct.

They claimed that the Mandate of Heaven was a fictional concept used to control the populace.