Early China Chapter Notes | Social Studies for Grade 6 PDF Download

Introducton

Early China is a fascinating part of history that tells us how one of the world’s oldest civilizations began and grew. From ancient times, China developed unique traditions, ideas, and inventions that shaped its culture and influenced the world. This chapter explores the beginnings of Chinese society, its important empires like the Qin and Han, the wise teachings of Confucius, the ideas of early thinkers, and the amazing discoveries in science and technology. Let’s dive into the story of Early China and learn about its people, leaders, and achievements!

Ancient China

Ancient China began around 2000 BCE with early farming communities along the Yellow River and Yangtze River.

• These rivers provided fertile land for growing crops like rice and millet, helping people settle in villages.
• The first known dynasty was the Xia Dynasty, starting around 2070 BCE, though we know little about it.
• The Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BCE) was the first with written records, using oracle bones to predict the future.
• Shang kings ruled over cities and used bronze for tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects.
• The Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE) followed, lasting longer than any other dynasty in Chinese history.
• The Zhou introduced the idea of the Mandate of Heaven, saying rulers were chosen by heaven to rule justly.
• During the Zhou, farming improved with iron tools, and trade grew, connecting different regions.
• Society was divided into nobles, farmers, and artisans, with kings and nobles holding the most power.
• Ancient Chinese people worshipped ancestors and believed in spirits that influenced daily life.
• Walled cities were built for protection, and early writing systems developed, leading to record-keeping.

Early Chinese Thought

Early Chinese thought developed during the Zhou Dynasty, especially in a time called the Hundred Schools of Thought (770–221 BCE).

• Thinkers tried to find ways to create a peaceful and fair society during times of war and chaos.
• Confucianism, started by Confucius, taught respect for family, elders, and proper behavior.
• Daoism, founded by Laozi, focused on living simply and in harmony with nature.
• Legalism believed strict laws and harsh punishments were needed to keep order in society.
• Thinkers like Mencius, a follower of Confucius, said people are naturally good if guided properly.
• Another thinker, Xunzi, believed people needed rules because they could be selfish without them.
• These ideas shaped how Chinese leaders governed and how people lived their lives.
• Philosophers often debated with each other, sharing ideas to improve society.
• Early Chinese thought influenced education, government, and family life for centuries.

The Qin Empire

The Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE) united China under one ruler for the first time.

• Emperor Qin Shi Huang became the first emperor after conquering warring states.
• He created a strong central government and used Legalism to enforce strict rules.
• Standardized weights, measures, coins, and writing to make trade and communication easier.
• Built the first parts of the Great Wall to protect China from northern invaders.
• Ordered the building of his massive tomb with the Terracotta Army, thousands of clay soldiers to guard him in the afterlife.
• Harsh punishments and high taxes made some people unhappy with Qin rule.
• The Qin Dynasty was short but made big changes, like unifying laws and building roads.
• Emperor Qin burned books of other philosophies to control ideas and prevent opposition.
• After Qin Shi Huang’s death, the dynasty fell apart due to rebellions and weak leaders.

The Han Dynasty

The Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) was one of China’s longest and most successful dynasties.

• Founded by Liu Bang, a farmer who became emperor, it brought stability after the Qin.
• The Han used Confucian ideas to guide government, focusing on kindness and fairness.
• Created a civil service system where officials were chosen based on exams, not birth.
• The Silk Road, a trade route, connected China to Central Asia, India, and Europe.
• Traded silk, spices, and ideas, which helped spread Chinese culture and goods.
• Emperor Wu, a famous Han ruler, expanded China’s borders and strengthened the army.
• Han society valued education, and many people studied Confucian texts.
• Inventions like paper and the seismograph were developed during the Han period.
• The dynasty faced problems like corruption and invasions, leading to its fall in 220 CE.
• The Han Dynasty’s achievements influenced China for centuries, earning it great respect.

Science and Technology in Early China

• Early China made many important inventions that changed the world.
• Paper was invented during the Han Dynasty, making writing and record-keeping easier.
• The seismograph, created in the Han period, could detect earthquakes from far away.
• Chinese astronomers studied stars and planets, creating accurate calendars.
• The compass, first used for spiritual purposes, later helped with navigation.
• Chinese engineers built canals and irrigation systems to improve farming.
• They invented the wheelbarrow, which made moving heavy loads easier for workers.
• Bronze and iron tools improved farming and building during the Zhou and Han times.
• Acupuncture, a medical practice, was used to treat illnesses and pain.
• Chinese scholars wrote books about math, medicine, and engineering.
• These inventions spread along the Silk Road, influencing other parts of the world.

The Teachings of Confucius

Confucius (551–479 BCE) was a Chinese philosopher whose ideas shaped Chinese culture.

• He lived during the Zhou Dynasty when China faced wars and disorder.
• Confucius believed in respect, kindness, and good behavior to create a peaceful society.
• He taught the importance of family, honoring parents, and caring for others.
• His idea of the “Golden Rule” was to treat others as you want to be treated.
• Confucius said leaders should be honest, fair, and set a good example for people.
• He believed education was important for everyone to learn right from wrong.
• His teachings were written down by his students in a book called the Analects.
• Confucianism became the main philosophy for Chinese government and society.
• His ideas spread to other countries like Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.
• Confucius’ teachings are still respected today for their focus on respect and harmony.