Question

How did the first Zhou rulers justify their overthrow of the Shang? a. by convincing the people that they ruled through a mandate from heaven b. by keeping most of the population illiterate and tied to the land c. by introducing the concept of the mandate of heaven d. by monopolizing the trade in metals, salt, and silks e. by maintaining strict surveillance over the people

Answer 1

Option: C. by introducing the concept of the mandate of heaven.

Explanation:

The Zhou rulers overthrew the Shang Dynasty by declaring themselves as a ruler under the concept of the mandate of heaven, after saying Shang emperors as unqualified and corrupt. Zhou rulers introduced the concept of the mandate of heaven, which means they have the right to rule in China, as heaven has permitted them. Zhou also believed that since there was one heaven, therefore there can be only one ruler to rule China at one time.