Final answer:
The Zhou Dynasty came to power in ancient China by defeating the Shang Dynasty. They used the concept of the Mandate of Heaven to justify their overthrow of the Shang and present themselves as the rightful rulers. The Zhou ruled their large empire through a decentralized feudal system, which eventually led to a weakening of their power. The Warring States Period, a time of intense warfare and political instability, led to the rise of Chinese philosophies like Confucianism, which emphasized the role of virtuous individuals in government.
Step-by-step explanation:
1) How did the Zhou Dynasty come to power and defeat the Shang?
The Zhou Dynasty came to power in ancient China by defeating the Shang Dynasty. According to Chinese classical texts, this victory was seen as a sign that the heavens had revoked the Shang's right to rule and given it to the Zhou. The Zhou used the concept of the Mandate of Heaven to justify their overthrow of the Shang and present themselves as the rightful rulers.
2) What was the Mandate of Heaven, and how did it help to justify the Zhou in overthrowing the Shang?
The Mandate of Heaven was a concept in ancient Chinese political philosophy. It stated that the ruler of China was chosen by the heavens, and their right to rule depended on their moral conduct and ability to govern effectively. By claiming that the Shang had lost the Mandate of Heaven and had become corrupt and inept, the Zhou justified their overthrow of the Shang and presented themselves as the rightful rulers.
3) How did the Zhou rule their large empire, and how did this eventually lead to a weakening and downfall of the Zhou?
The Zhou ruled their large empire through a decentralized feudal system in which power and land were granted to local leaders in return for loyalty and support. However, over time, these regional lords ignored the commands of the central Zhou kings and instead focused on increasing their own influence and power. This led to the gradual weakening of the Zhou dynasty as power became diffused among many smaller, competing kingdoms.
4) How was iron production related to the fall of the Zhou Dynasty?
The discovery and use of iron was a significant factor in the fall of the Zhou Dynasty. As iron production increased, the Zhou states saw an escalation in warfare as they sought to acquire more land and resources. This constant warfare and the rise of powerful militaristic states eventually led to the weakening and downfall of the Zhou Dynasty.
5) What was the Warring States Period, and why did it lead to a rise of Chinese Philosophies?
The Warring States Period was a period of intense warfare and political instability in ancient China that lasted from 475 BC to 221 BC. During this time, the collapse of central authority and the fragmentation of power among various states created a need for new ideas and philosophies to address the challenges of governance and social order. This led to the rise of Chinese philosophies such as Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism.
6) Who were the junzi and what did Confucius believe their role should be in the government?
In Confucianism, a junzi refers to a person of noble character and moral integrity. Confucius believed that junzi should play a central role in government and society. He emphasized the importance of cultivating moral virtues, such as benevolence (ren), proper conduct (li), and filial piety (xiao), and believed that junzi should use their moral influence to promote social harmony and good governance.
7) How would the values of ren, li, and xiao lead to a stable and successful government?
The values of ren (benevolence), li (proper conduct), and xiao (filial piety) in Confucianism were seen as essential for a stable and successful government. Ren emphasized the importance of compassion and treating others with kindness, which fosters social harmony. Li emphasized following proper rituals and social norms, which promotes order and stability. Xiao encouraged respect and loyalty to one's elders and superiors, creating a sense of obedience and cohesion within the government.