Chinese History – General

Bronze Age China (1700 BCE – 221 BCE): This was the period that saw the rise of bronze casting using the piece-mold casting technique. This improved agriculture and technology. The Bronze Age included the Shang and Zhou Dynasties.

Shang Dynasty (1700 BCE – 1100 BCE): A dynasty in Bronze Age China. Capitals frequently changed but remained in/near the Yellow River Valley. Rulers maintained their power by claiming power as intermediaries between the supernatural and human realms. Shang priests communicated with the supernatural world through oracle bones which were pieces of bones or tortoiseshells with cracks that were interpreted as communication from the supernatural world.

Zhou Dynasty (1100 BCE – 221 BCE): A dynasty in Bronze Age China. The Zhou Dynasty conquered the Shang Dynasty in 1100 BCE. A feudal system now developed, with nobles related to the king ruling over many small states. The supreme deity became known as Tian, or Heaven, and the king ruled as the Son of Heaven. This was called having the “divine power” to rule. States became increasingly independent and larger states engulfed smaller states. Many of China’s greatest philosophers arose during this time, such as Confucius, Laozi, and Mozi. Zhou Dynasty China experienced a change from focusing on the supernatural world to focusing on the human world.

Qin Dynasty (221 BCE – 206 BCE): This is the first time in Chinese history that China united under a single ruler (Shihuangdi). He aimed to build a mausoleum and this project continued throughout his life. Inside was an army of terra-cotta soldiers and horses. Qin Dynasty rule was harsh and repressive with many laws that were based on a totalitarian philosophy called legalism. All other philosophies were banned, their scholars were executed, and their books were banned. Bureaucracy, a writing system, and a monetary system were all established during this dynasty.

Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE): This was a very peaceful, prosperous, and stable dynasty. The borders were extended and secured and the Silk Road was opened. This led to silk being China’s most precious good.

Six Dynasties Period (265 CE – 589 CE): After the fall of the Han dynasty China divided into three warring kingdoms. In 280 CE the empire was reunited but invasions by nomadic people from Central Asia forced the court to flee south. Because of this, northern and southern China developed separately. This period is also referred to the Southern and Northern Dynasties because of this. People in south China started rapidly converting from Confucianism to Daoism. However, Buddhism brought comfort to very troubled China during this Dynasty.

Sui Dynasty (581 CE – 618 CE): During this dynasty (the shortest dynasty in Chinese history) China was developed into a centralized empire.

Tang Dynasty (618 CE – 907 CE): During this dynasty the Chinese character was developed into a strong, vigorous, noble, idealistic, realistic, and pragmatic character. Also, the military power was very vigorous.

Song Dynasty (960 – 1279): The capital was changed to Bianjing (NOT Beijing), which is near the Yellow River, during this dynasty. China’s military weakened greatly during this dynasty. In 1126 the Manchurian Jurchen tribes invaded China, sacked the Bianjing, and took control over most of northern China. This caused China to make the new Capital at Hangzhou. After this, the dynasty is now referred to as the Southern Song (1127 – 1279). The portion before the Southern Song dynasty is known as the Northern Song (960 – 1129). Contrary to the size of the country, China’s wealth increased greatly due to advances in agriculture, commerce, and technology. Art flourished during this dynasty.

Yuan Dynasty (1279 – 1369): China’s political and cultural centers split during this dynasty, causing new a new situation dynamic in the arts. Artists in this period grew in social status. They achieved a status equal to court officials. Artists began drawing more personal expression because they thought it counted for more than sheer professional skill. This dynasty continued the imperial role as commissioners and patrons of art.

Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644): The rounder of the Ming Dynasty was once very poor, but rose through the ranks of the army. He drove the Mongols from Beijing and established himself as the emperor. This was a very ruthless period in Chinese history where scholars stayed away from the government and civil service examinations were reinstated.

Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911): The Manchu armies marched into Beijing in 1644; the Chinese people thought this was the end of their civilization. However, the Manchus already adopted many Chinese customs before their invasion. They showed a great respect for Chinese tradition after they took control of China. This period is also referred to as the Manchu Dynasty.

Modern Period (1911 – Present Day): In the mid/late nineteenth century China was shaken by a series of military defeats by Japan and Western powers. New ideas from Japan and the West began to enter into Chinese civilization. However, the demand arose for political and cultural reforms, thus in 1911 the Qing dynasty was overthrown, ending 2,000 years of imperial rule. China was now considered a republic. Chinese artists started getting influenced by Western ideas; however, after the establishment of present day communism, artistic freedom was restricted. After 1979 cultural attitudes began to relax and Chinese artists continued to do their things.

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