Forbidden Cityan Introduction to China

History of China - rule of dynasties Ancient China’s history is divided into dynasties and dates back to 2000

B.C.

A dynasty is a succession of rulers from the same family.

The Chinese believed that their rulers were divinely selected. They called this process the Mandate of Heaven.

The Chinese had eleven major dynasties before a revolution put an end to the last emperor in 1911.

early Chinese dynasties

Confucianism official policy

wall paintingiron sword usedsoybean cultivated

HAN

202BC-AD222

Ch’in Shih took title of Emperor

legalism official policy

Great Wall builtCH’IN

221-206 BC

ConfucianismTaoism

lacquerastronomy advancedcrossbow invented

ZHOU

1123-256 BC

belief in spirit worldfilial pietyancestor worship

white potteryworked bronzemarble and ivory jade and turquoise

writing inventedsilkworms for silkwheel used on chariots

SHANG

1500-1122 BC

black potterymillet and wheat cultivatedpotter’s wheel usedanimals domesticated

HSIA

2000-1500 BC

leadersphilosophyartcultureDYNASTY

early Chinese dynasties

Empress Dowager Tz’u-hsi

QUING/MANCHU

1644-1911

Chu Yuan-ChangForbidden City builtYung-lo Encyclopedia of Chinese writingsGrand Fleet makes China an international naval power

MING

1368-1644

Genghis KhanKublai Khan

increase in trade abroaduse of gunpowder as a weapon

YUAN/MONGOL

1279-1368

golden age of paintingporcelain

inventions of magnetic compass, paper money, book printing

SUNG 960-1279

Wu Chao, first female emperor

golden age of poetry, literature, art, music

building of schoolsT’ANG 618-906

Yang TiGrand Canal builtSUI 589-618

leadersartculturedynasty

the Forbidden City, 2012

In ancient times if Chinese working citizens stepped foot on the wrong pathways within the walls of the Forbidden City; they, and all their family members would be executed.

Republican China (1911-1949) Sun Yatsen (leader of Chinese

Nationalist Party) and Chinese Communist Party gain support from the Soviet Union.

He became the first president of The Republic of China and embarked on a road to modernizing China.

Mao Zedong later proclaimed the creation of the People's Republic of China.

Mao Zedong Attracted to the nationalist ideas of Sun Yat-sen, Mao

Zedong joined the army when he was 18 and fought in the revolution that overthrew the Manchu dynasty in 1911.

Several years later, while studying at Peking (Beijing) University, he came across the teachings of Karl Marx, and committed his life to the ideas of socialism.

Eventually he became the leader of the Communist revolution and then chairman of the People’s Republic of China (P.R.C.) from 1949 to 1959. Mao remained chairman of the Communist party until his death in 1976.

Deng Xiaoping

Deng Xiaoping emerged as the new leader in 1978 and immediately launched an economic reform plan.

His goal was a wealthy, modern, powerful China -- one worthy of international respect. His method was the open door, establishing ties with the United States and other Western nations, encouraging international investment, private enterprise, family farming, and other aspects of a market economy.

Peaceful demonstrations, May 1989

As 'new ideas' spread to the masses, economic reforms and movements demanding democratization occurred all over China.

These demonstrations came to a head in Tiananmen Square in May, 1989.

The masses of students and citizens wouldn't withdraw from Tiananmen Square. And finally on June 4, martial force occupied Tiananmen Square and opened fire on the crowd.

During the progression more than two hundred people died. The actual number is likely much larger.

Pictures of the demonstrations:Calling for freedom and democracy, demonstrating students surround policemen near Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, Thursday afternoon on May 4, 1989.

A Chinese couple on a bicycle take cover at an underpass while tanks deploy overhead in eastern Beijing, China on June 5, 1989.

A Chinese man stands alone to block a line of tanks heading east on Beijing's Cangan Blvd. in Tiananmen Square on June 5, 1989. The man, calling for an end to the recent violence and bloodshed against pro-democracy demonstrators, was pulled away by bystanders, and the tanks continued on their way.

The bodies of dead civilians lie among mangled bicycles near Beijing's Tiananmen Square early June 4, 1989.

images of Tiananmen Square (today)

Entrance to the Forbidden City

2012 Inside the Forbidden City, Documentary, series

trailer

Forbidden City – the novel “Seventeen-year-old Alex Jackson is thrilled when his father, a

cameraman with the CBC, asks Alex to join him on assignment in China. Not only will he get some time off from school, but Alex, who is a Chinese history buff, knows this trip is the chance of a lifetime.

Alex and his dad could not have predicted that they would get caught up in the historic events that begin to sweep China in the spring of 1989.

As students and civilians demonstrate for democracy in Tian An Men Square, Alex experiences the thrill of being a reporter. However, his excitement turns to horror and dismay as the movement becomes violent. Alex and his father know they must communicate the story to the rest of the world, but at what cost to their own lives?”

U4L2 Assignment Read the PDF file 'China' in Lesson Two Review the website,'Visual Sourcebook...' Be sure to write China Background Quiz this

week. - Time limit – 2 hours - No password - Be sure to write by the end of the week.

U4L3 – Making Predictions Assignment Answer each in complete sentences and in such a way that your reader will Answer each in complete sentences and in such a way that your reader will

know what question was asked. know what question was asked. What do you now know about the nature of the protagonist, Alexander

Jackson? >Insert answer here<What is Alex's attitude towards China? >Insert answer here<What do you know about China?>Insert answer here<How do you feel about China? >Insert answer here<What do you expect will happen in the remainder of the story? Why? >Insert answer here<

Imagine that you are Alex, having viewed ONE of the places in the links you just explored. Write the travel diary entry that would describe the site to Mr. Jones, your history teacher. Your entry must be at least ten sentences long and full of vivid, specific details.

1989: Massacre in Tiananmen Square

Watch the following BBC video coverage of the massacre in Tiananmen Square

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/june/4/newsid_2496000/2496277.stm