Chinese History Dynasties Ancient China and the The Great Wall summary and study guide

Chinese History Dynasties Ancient China and the The Great Wall summary and study guide

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Chinese History Dynasties Ancient China and the The Great Wall summary and study guide

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.

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 "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. 

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 _____
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:

• Xia Dynasty  2,000 BC -1500 BC
• Shang Dynasty     1500 BC-1122 BC      
• Chou Dynasty     1122 BC- 256 BC
• Period of disunity    256 BC- 221 BC
• Ch’in Dynasty     221 BC- 206 BC
• Han Dynasty      206 BC – 220 AD
• Period of disunity    220-589
• Sui Dynasty     589- 618
• T’ang Dynasty      618-907
• Period of disunity      907- 960
• Sung Dynasty     960-1279
• Yuan Dynasty      1279- 1368
• Ming Dynasty      1368- 1644
• Ch’ing Dynasty (Qing)  1644-1911

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

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 bricksin 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:

• Why is very little known about the Xia Dynasty?

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 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_____

            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.
Qin Shi Huangdi was an emperor who defeated many lesser leaders and unitedthe 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.

• 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.
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 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 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:

• How did Liu Bang justify overthrowing the Qin?
• 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 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:

• What was the period of disunity?
• Who was Wu Chao
• Explain what happened to China during the Sung Dynasty.
• Who were Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan?

Complete each sentence:

• The ________ _____________ was short-lived.
• _____________ became the only empress to rule China during this dynasty.
• A very important aspect of the Sung Dynasty and even part of the Yuan Dynasty was the influence of other __________
• Later during the _____ century Genghis Khan of the Mongol tribe, from what is today _____, began conquering much of northern Ch’in China. 
• The _____ empire was the largest ever.

            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 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:

• Who was Confucius and why was he important?
• What is the difference between a religion and a philosophy?  Why is Confucianism considered a philosophy?
• What did Confucius believe was the most important thing in society?
• 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 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:

• What is the most important thing in society to a person who follows Confucius?  What is the most important to a Daoist?
• Why do Daoists believe trying to change things through government is not a good idea?
• 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:

• Siddhartha Gautama changed his name to ____________
• Buddhism actually began in ____________________.
• 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.   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:

• Our lives are full of pain and suffering.
• Our pain and suffering are caused by our desire to have things.
• We need to get rid of our desire to have things in order to end our pain and suffering.
• 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:

• Buddhism accepts the Hindu beliefs of _______________ and reincarnation.
• Buddhism rejects the Hind belief in the ____________ system
• Karma refers to a how a person’s behavior in this life will affect their next __________. 
• In Hinduism, the _____________ system puts people into different social groups in which they cannot ever move out of during their life.
• ___________ 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:

• talk correctly
• act correctly
• see things correctly
• have good intentions
• be good at your work
• always try your hardest
• concentrate hard on all things you do
• 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

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:

• Introduction- Summarize what Buddhism is and given your opinion.
• Body – Support your opinion and argument with details.
• 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.

Source : http://franceschini.cmswiki.wikispaces.net/file/view/Ancient+China.doc

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