Women In Ancient China
Did the role of Women change over time?
No
True or False? Legalism allows people to have different opinions?
False
Is this a positive or negative Point of View?
Ancient historian: Sima Qian
The King of Qin, with his arched nose and long eyes, puffed-out chest like a hawk and the voice of a jackal, is a man of scant mercy who has the heart of a tiger or a wolf. When he is in difficulty he readily humbles himself before others, but when he has gotten his way, then he thinks nothing of eating others alive.
Negative
After the Warring States period, what did Qin achieve?
The unification of China.
Who was under the Emperor on the Social Scale?
Nobles
True or False? Women had fixed roles in Ancient China.
True
Legalism
What evidence points to the viewpoint of the author?
The first emperor of the Qin … worked tirelessly to build up the power and prestige of his regime, directing campaigns, constructing defences, erecting magnificent palaces for himself and his court, and travelling on extensive tours of inspection throughout his realm… Never before had China been so vast and powerful.
This is a positive viewpoint - worked tirelessly, Never before had China been so vast and powerful.
What did Qin do to the Great Wall?
He joined all the sections of the wall together.
Who were the highly educated group in China?
Scholars
List 2 ways the role of women did not change over time.
They were not valued
They had to look after the household
They had to submit to their father, then Husband, then sons.
Why did Qin order the burning of the books?
Qin did not want to be compared to other rulers.
What is the viewpoint and evidence from this source -
Only by massive and cruel impressments of labour could he have received such rapid results.
Cruel impressments
Quote the evidence of Qin's Achievement - Standardised Weights
Context: Each of the former kingdoms of China had different values for weights. Standardising weights (and the value of money) meant there was now only one value for weights (and money) for the whole of China.
Standardising weights (and the value of money) meant there was now only one value for weights (and money) for the whole of China.
Which group passed on their skills to their sons?
Artisans/craftsmen
Cooking, Cleaning and looking after the children.
As the Emperor, why didn't Qin like Confucianism?
Confucianism taught that rulers should rule with virtue, morality and kindness.
What is the point of view of the author and provide evidence - There is no doubt that the achievements and the legacy of the first emperor are enormous… [he] introduced a centralised bureaucracy and a culture in which writing and merit played an important part.
Positive - the achievements and the legacy of the first emperor are enormous
When China was unified under Qin, what changes did he make to the running of the country?
All authority went under the emperor, with officials running the different counties.
Explain why merchants were not valued in Ancient China.
The merchants did not create anything. They bought from craftsmen and sold the goods.
Why was Empress Wu an exception to the role of women in Ancient China?
She was the only women to rule China because she was brutal.
What happened to anyone who did not burn their history records or their Confucian texts?
They and their family would be killed.
Compare the dates of these quotes - has the role of women changed?
(CE) 3rd century - How sad it is to be a woman, Nothing on earth is held so cheap …
c. AD (CE) 45 – AD (CE) 116 - ‘Yet only to teach men and not to teach women—is this not ignoring the reciprocal1 relation between them?
No
What is the evidence of Qin's achievement in the building of his palace?
Then he ordered that the 270 palaces and pavilions built within a radius of 200 li (100 km) from Xianyang should be interconnected by causeways and covered walks, and filled with hanging bells, drums, and beautiful women, each to stay in its position and not be shifted around. And if anyone mentioned the place which he honoured with his presence as he moved about, he would be condemned to death.’
Ordered 270 palaces and pavilions - covered walks, hanging bells, drums
Explain the importance of farming in Ancient China and for us today.
The farmers grow food for people to eat. This is important in any society.