Crash Course World History: China

Introduction

• Presenter: John Green.
• Focus on how the way stories are told shapes history.
• China as the first modern state with a centralized government from 150 BCE to 1911 CE.
• Chinese history divided into dynasties ruled by emperors from continuous ruling families.

Chinese Dynasties

• Shang Dynasty: Overthrown by the Zhou.
• Zhou Dynasty: Introduced the Mandate of Heaven to overthrow the Shang.
• Period of Chaos: Warring States Period.
• Qin Dynasty: Unified China; known for brutality.
• Han Dynasty: Pattern for most of China’s history.
• Sui, Tang, Song Dynasties: Successive dynasties with varying degrees of influence.
• Yuan Dynasty: Mongol rule, led to rise of the Ming.
• Ming Dynasty: Built the Great Wall; fell to the Manchus.
• Qing Dynasty: Last dynasty, ended in 1911.

The Mandate of Heaven

• Originated with the Zhou Dynasty.
• Used as a justification for the transfer of power between dynasties.
• Dynastic change due to loss of the Mandate often linked to moral failings.
• Confucian concept reinforcing moral behavior as a cornerstone.
• Example: Qin’s brutality vs. Han’s benevolence under Emperor Wen.

Confucianism and Confucius

• Confucius: Philosopher during the Warring States period.
• Emphasized stability through moral behavior and historical precedent.
• Hierarchical relationships key to societal function.
  • Five Key Relationships: Father-son is central.
  • Focus on filial piety and becoming a "superior man" (chun zi).
• Ren: Propriety in behavior.
• Li: Ritual, especially ancestor veneration.

Historical Writing and Confucian Influence

• Chinese historians trained in Confucian classics.
• History written with a moral lens, emphasizing proper behavior.
• Mandate of Heaven used to justify historical events like storms and uprisings.
• Circular relationship between scholars who wrote history and those who made it.

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding how history is written and its moral dimensions.
• Preview of the next episode on Alexander the Great.

Credits

• Directed by Stan Muller.
• Written by Raoul Meyer and John Green.
• Graphics by Thought Bubble.
• Encouragement to engage with comments and questions.