Zhou Dynasty

The Zhou dynasty was the longest Chinese dynasty, being in power from 1050-221 BCE. The Zhou dynasty is commonly divided into three periods: the Western Zhou(1050-770), Spring and Autumn Annals (770-475), and the Warring States period(475-221). The first portion of the Zhou dynasty was under the control of an orderly and centralized government in which loyalty to the emperor was strong. Together, the Western Zhou and the Spring and Autumn Annals are known as the classical age. The Spring and Autumn Annals and Warring States period are also known as the Eastern Zhou dynasty because of the move of the capital of Zhou.

Following former rulers, the last ruler of the Shang dynasty, Dixin, ignored his peoples cries for help and instead built lavish palaces and gardens. Thus, unrest developed in China, and Dixin responded by cruel torture. Zhou, another state, quickly gained power under the rule of King Wu. It was not long until King Wu attacked the Shang dynasty. The people of the Shang dynasty, however, were willing to be overtaken and led King Wu to Yin, the Shang's capital. Dixin killed himself, and the Shang dynasty fell to King Wu. The Capital of the Zhou dynasty was originally Haojing, near the modern-day Xi'an city.

Zhou was under the ideals of the "Mandate of Heaven" that allows a person to become king; the people of the Zhou dynasty believed that their ruler was a descendant of God. If one looses the right to the Mandate of Heaven, he is overthrown, thus explaining the downfall of Dixin.

The most important key idea from the classical age is the Confucian ideals. Confucius, or Kongfuzi, was to create a new more rational and philosophical form of moral values that would influence China for centuries. Around 500 BCE, China made the switch from religion to philosophical and rational thought. Confucius was the greatest cause of this with more than 3000 students following his teachings of good moral values. The six classic writings of Confucianism (Book of Poetry; Book of History; Book of Rights; Book of Changes; Book of Music; Spring and Autumn Annals) would be referenced to for the next 2000 years. Confucius believed that all people are able to achieve perfection, that rulers must act according to virtues and ancient rites, and that all chaos was produced by the abuse of propriety and music. Having lived through internal conflicts in China, Confucius vowed to restore ancient rites and music to China. Traditionally Confucianism is referred to as Ru, but there is much debate over why this word was chosen. During the Zhou dynasty, there were three meanings of Ru: a distinguishing title, classification for artisans, and a title for those who assist emperor and help educate. Confucius's belief in love, virtue, and humanity is known as Jen. Mencius, or Mengzi, and Xunzi are two of Confucius's most important followers, as they not only carried on the Confucian ideals but also helped refine classical Confucianism.