Grade: Grade 6 Subject: Social Studies Unit: Ancient Civilizations Lesson: 4 of 6 SAT: Information+Ideas ACT: Reading

Ancient China

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Ancient China developed one of the world's most enduring civilizations, with dynasties that ruled for thousands of years and innovations that transformed human history.

Early Dynasties

Chinese civilization emerged along the Yellow (Huang He) and Yangtze rivers:

  • Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE): First dynasty with written records; developed bronze casting and oracle bones for divination
  • Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE): Introduced the "Mandate of Heaven" concept; longest-lasting dynasty
  • Warring States Period: A time of conflict but also great philosophical development

Philosophy and Religion

Three major belief systems emerged during the Zhou period:

  • Confucianism: Founded by Confucius (551-479 BCE), emphasizing respect, education, family loyalty, and proper social relationships
  • Daoism (Taoism): Founded by Laozi, teaching harmony with nature and the "Way" (Dao)
  • Legalism: Belief that strict laws and harsh punishments were needed to maintain order

The Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE)

Qin Shi Huang unified China and became its first emperor:

  • Standardized weights, measures, currency, and writing
  • Built roads and canals connecting the empire
  • Began construction of the Great Wall to defend against northern invaders
  • Created the Terracotta Army to guard his tomb
  • Used Legalist policies; burned books and persecuted scholars

The Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE)

Often compared to Rome, the Han Dynasty brought a golden age:

  • Silk Road: Trade routes connecting China to the Mediterranean, spreading goods and ideas
  • Civil service exams: Government officials selected by merit through examinations
  • Inventions: Paper, the seismograph, improved iron tools, and the wheelbarrow
  • Buddhism: Arrived in China via the Silk Road from India

Key Inventions

Ancient China contributed the "Four Great Inventions":

  • Paper: Invented around 105 CE by Cai Lun
  • Printing: Woodblock printing developed by the Tang Dynasty
  • Gunpowder: Originally used for fireworks and medicine
  • Compass: First used for feng shui, later for navigation

Practice Questions

Question 1

Along which two rivers did Chinese civilization develop?

Question 2

What is the "Mandate of Heaven"?

Question 3

Describe the main teachings of Confucianism.

Question 4

How does Daoism differ from Confucianism?

Question 5

What did Qin Shi Huang accomplish as the first emperor?

Question 6

What was the purpose of the Great Wall?

Question 7

What was the Silk Road and why was it important?

Question 8

How were government officials selected during the Han Dynasty?

Question 9

Name the "Four Great Inventions" of ancient China.

Question 10

How did the Silk Road contribute to cultural exchange?

Answer Key

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1. The Yellow River (Huang He) and the Yangtze River

2. The belief that heaven granted rulers the right to govern, which could be lost if they ruled unjustly

3. Respect for elders and ancestors, importance of education, family loyalty, proper social relationships, and moral virtue

4. Daoism emphasizes harmony with nature and going with the flow, while Confucianism focuses on social order and proper behavior

5. Unified China, standardized writing/currency/measurements, built roads, began the Great Wall, created the Terracotta Army

6. To defend against invasions from northern nomadic tribes

7. A network of trade routes connecting China to Rome and the Mediterranean, enabling exchange of goods, ideas, and culture

8. Through civil service examinations that tested knowledge of Confucian texts

9. Paper, printing, gunpowder, and the compass

10. It spread religions (Buddhism), technologies, goods (silk, spices), and ideas between East and West