Unification of Early China
The sheer size of China prevented its early unification, but beginning with the Shang dynasty, there was an organized political entity. It was the first main power to have a stable political and religious hierarchy. Although the state did not control much territory, its culture had far-reaching influence. The Shang dynasty showed advances in military technology, which coincided with advances in civilization. The kingship was based on religion and ritual. When the Zhou succeeded the Shang, the basis for enduring states was further established. Military prowess advanced greatly, as well as morally based civil arts, and the growth of loyalty to the empire. In Ebrey, there are three Zhou rulers established as contributing to the stability of the state during this time. King Wen is attributed with the formation of alliances to attack the Shang; His son King Wu built a new eastern capital and proceeded to build the army that defeated the Shang; Wu's successor regent extended and consolidated the new territories to bring the entire Yellow River plain until control. These events mark the beginning of centralized Chinese bureaucracy. In this time th
It also seems that where leaders attempted to practice Confucianism, the people were happy. It was also during this time that the territory was divided into states, each having its own function. There was an increased desire for learning, as anyone could earn their way into a position of prestige. With the succession of the Qin dynasty, legalism was used to strengthen the power of the rulers, and as a result the people were law-abiding, tax-paying and agriculturally productive citizens. It seems that where the military was strong and capable, order was maintained. He was able to greatly expand the Han territory with his vast military, and with military outposts was able to control them. Most of the old local culture was lost in his initial reforms of state and society, but the new culture was spread all across China. King Wudi was the first of several Han emperors to use Confucian ideas to rule. With the rise in education and moral value in governemtn, the prestige and influence in official positions rose as well. He also expanded the military to an enormous power capable not only of defending against alien cultures, but seizing their land. He suppressed rival cultural elements, but developed Chinese ritual. However, with the deterioration of Confucian ideals came the fall of strong government. And where he conquered, he imposed uniformity on the people. In turn this strengthened the empire. In this way, not only was authority centralized in this time, but also new cultural standards and practices.
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