The Zhou dynasty, lasting nearly 800 years, introduced the Mandate of Heaven to justify their rule. This concept, along with the feudal system, shaped Chinese political thought for centuries. The Zhou's long reign saw periods of centralized power and eventual decline.

As the Zhou weakened, China entered the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. These eras of political fragmentation and conflict sparked intellectual growth, giving rise to major philosophical schools like Confucianism, Legalism, and Taoism that would influence Chinese culture for millennia.

Zhou Dynasty and Mandate of Heaven

Establishment and Periods of the Zhou Dynasty

• Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BCE) was the longest-lasting dynasty in Chinese history, spanning nearly 800 years
• Western Zhou period (1046-771 BCE) was characterized by a strong central government and political stability
• Eastern Zhou period (770-256 BCE) saw the decline of the Zhou dynasty's power and the rise of independent states
• The Zhou dynasty was divided into two main periods due to the relocation of the capital from Zongzhou to Luoyang in 770 BCE following a rebellion

Mandate of Heaven and Legitimacy of Rule

• Mandate of Heaven was a political and religious doctrine used to justify the rule of the Zhou dynasty and subsequent Chinese dynasties
• According to this concept, heaven would bless the authority of a just ruler, but withdraw its mandate from a despotic ruler, leading to the downfall of the dynasty
• Tianxia, meaning "all under heaven," referred to the Chinese concept of the world and the emperor's universal rule, legitimized by the Mandate of Heaven
• The Mandate of Heaven was used by the Zhou to legitimize their overthrow of the Shang dynasty, claiming that the Shang had become corrupt and lost the favor of heaven

Contributions of the Duke of Zhou

• Duke of Zhou, a regent for King Cheng of Zhou, played a crucial role in consolidating the Zhou dynasty's power and establishing its political and cultural foundations
• He is credited with creating the Mandate of Heaven concept to justify the Zhou's rule and provide a basis for the succession of power
• The Duke of Zhou also developed the feudal system, which divided the kingdom into smaller, manageable territories governed by loyal nobles

Feudal System and Vassal States

Structure and Organization of the Feudal System

• The feudal system, known as the fengjian system in Chinese, was a hierarchical political and social structure used during the Zhou dynasty
• Under this system, the Zhou king granted land and titles to loyal nobles, who became vassals and were required to provide military service and tribute to the king
• Vassal states were semi-autonomous political entities within the Zhou kingdom, each governed by a noble family appointed by the Zhou king
• The feudal system allowed the Zhou to maintain control over a large territory by delegating power to local rulers while still maintaining ultimate authority

Relationship between the Zhou King and Vassal States

• The relationship between the Zhou king and the vassal states was based on mutual obligations and loyalty
• Vassal states were required to provide military support, tribute, and attend regular court ceremonies to show their allegiance to the Zhou king
• In return, the Zhou king granted the vassal states protection, political support, and the right to govern their territories with a degree of autonomy
• Over time, the power of the vassal states grew, and many began to challenge the authority of the Zhou king, leading to the decline of the dynasty

Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods

Political and Social Changes during the Spring and Autumn Period

• The Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BCE) was characterized by the weakening of the Zhou king's power and the rise of powerful vassal states
• During this period, the vassal states engaged in frequent warfare, alliances, and diplomatic maneuvering to gain power and territory
• The Spring and Autumn period saw significant social and economic changes, such as the growth of cities, the emergence of a merchant class, and the development of new technologies (iron metallurgy)

Intensification of Conflicts during the Warring States Period

• The Warring States period (475-221 BCE) was marked by the escalation of conflicts among the seven major states: Qin, Chu, Yan, Han, Zhao, Wei, and Qi
• During this period, the states engaged in large-scale warfare, using advanced military strategies and technologies (crossbows) to gain an advantage over their rivals
• The Warring States period ended with the victory of the Qin state and the unification of China under the Qin dynasty in 221 BCE

Emergence of Major Philosophical Schools

• The political and social upheaval of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods led to the emergence of several major philosophical schools, each offering solutions to the chaos of the time
• Confucianism, founded by Confucius (551-479 BCE), emphasized the importance of moral cultivation, social harmony, and the proper performance of roles and responsibilities within a hierarchical society
• Legalism, which gained prominence during the Warring States period, focused on the use of strict laws, punishments, and rewards to maintain order and strengthen the state's power
• Taoism, based on the teachings of Laozi (6th century BCE), advocated for living in harmony with the natural world, simplicity, and non-action (wu wei) as a means to achieve personal and social balance