Eastern Zhou

Definition

The Eastern Zhou period is the second half of the Zhou dynasty in ancient China, spanning from 770 to 256 BCE. This era is marked by the division into two distinct periods: the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period, which were characterized by significant political fragmentation, philosophical development, and warfare among various states vying for power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Eastern Zhou period began after the Zhou capital was moved to Luoyi (present-day Luoyang), signaling a shift in political power and influence.
2. This period witnessed the rise of various philosophical schools, with Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism gaining prominence and shaping Chinese thought.
3. During the Eastern Zhou, many states adopted military innovations such as cavalry and iron weaponry, which significantly altered the nature of warfare.
4. The political fragmentation during this time led to alliances and rivalries among states, which often changed as they sought to gain an advantage over one another.
5. The Eastern Zhou ultimately ended with the conquest of the last Zhou king by Qin Shi Huang, marking the beginning of imperial China.

Review Questions

• How did the political landscape change during the Eastern Zhou period compared to the previous Western Zhou period?
  • The political landscape during the Eastern Zhou underwent significant changes as it shifted from a centralized feudal system under the Western Zhou to a fragmented state system where numerous local rulers emerged. The weakening of central authority allowed smaller states to gain power and autonomy, leading to a competitive environment marked by alliances and conflicts. This fragmentation set the stage for both philosophical developments and intense military confrontations that defined the era.
• Evaluate how philosophical movements during the Eastern Zhou influenced Chinese culture and society.
  • Philosophical movements that emerged during the Eastern Zhou had a profound impact on Chinese culture and society. Confucianism emphasized moral integrity, social harmony, and proper governance, shaping educational values and political ideology for centuries. Daoism promoted a more naturalistic approach to life and governance, emphasizing harmony with nature. These philosophies not only guided individual behavior but also influenced statecraft and societal organization throughout Chinese history.
• Discuss the long-term effects of the Warring States period on China's subsequent political structure post-Eastern Zhou.
  • The Warring States period had lasting effects on China's political structure following the Eastern Zhou. The intense competition among states led to innovations in military strategy, governance, and administrative efficiency that would be adopted by future dynasties. The unification under Qin Shi Huang marked a transition to a centralized imperial system influenced by both Legalist principles established during this chaotic time and Confucian ideals that followed. This blend of ideas established a foundation for China's governance that persisted for centuries, shaping its bureaucratic framework.

Related terms

Spring and Autumn Period: A phase within the Eastern Zhou period, lasting from 770 to 476 BCE, noted for the emergence of various states and the development of significant philosophical schools such as Confucianism and Daoism.

Warring States Period: The latter phase of the Eastern Zhou, from 475 to 221 BCE, characterized by intense warfare among seven major states that led to the unification of China under the Qin dynasty.

Feudalism: A social and economic system prevalent during the Eastern Zhou period, where land was held by lords who granted portions to vassals in exchange for military service and loyalty.