Zhou Dynasty Essay

There were many emperors and dynasties that rules over ancient China, but some stick out among the rest. One of these was the Zhou dynasty. The Zhou dynasty ruled from 1122 B.C. to 256 B.C., during this 866-year reign, the Zhou dynasty accomplished many things that would affect us later in history; including three significant aspects; these were, the idea of the Mandate of Heaven, the development of the feudal state, and the economic growth that led to the expansion of population. The Zhou presented the idea of the Mandate of Heaven in order to make their rebellion against the Shang sound right and just. Since the last Shang king was so cruel, the gods had sent ruin upon him and given the Zhou the Mandate of Heaven or the divine right to

China’s economic growth began when, ironworking reached China in the 600s B.C. With this new technology, Chinese farmers were able to produce more crops because, iron axes and iron ox-drawn plows replaced stone, bronze, and wooden tools, making it easier to make more. Farmers also began to grow new crops, the most significant one of these being the soybean. The large irrigation systems put in place by feudal lords also helped productivity, and along with iron formed a great step ahead. Commerce also expanded along with China’s economy. China used money for the first time, using copper coins with holes put into the middle in order for them to be carried on a string. These copper coins made trading much easier. Another improvement made to the economy by feudal lords was the creation of the canals and roads for merchants to travel on, making it capable for them to sell more goods. This quickly growing economy also spurred population growth. People living near the Huang River heartland moved to Central China and began to farm the vast Chang River basin. As the population increased, feudal lords expanded their territories and invited people to live