Shang Dynasty Research Paper

The different dynasties and rulers of China are a big part of its history. The very first dynasty was the Xia Dynasty from 2100-1600 BCE. Yu is said to be the first ruler of the Xia Dynasty. He was the one who proclaimed that the rulers would be succeeded by a family member. There where 16 rulers of the Xia Dynasty, the last ruler was overthrown. The leader of the rebellion that overthrew the last of the Xia was said to be Zi Lü, the founder of the Shang Dynasty. But the Xia Dynasty is also thought to be a legend by some, who think the Shang Dynasty was the first dynasty.

The Shang dynasty was from 1600-1050 BCE. The first ruler was a good ruler and the country was very stable throughout the Shang Dynasty. There were also many cultural advances during that time. The men of the created a good government that was used for about 600 years until it fell apart. Later in the Battle of Muye, the Shang Dynasty was overthrown by the Zhou Dynasty that was a subject people living in the western part of the kingdom. They overthrew the Shang when they tried to expand.

The Zhou created the Mandate of Heaven idea, where only one legitimate ruler is allowed, who reigned as “The Son of Heaven” and has the blessing of the gods. After he died he then was to be succeeded by one of his children. The Mandate of Heaven philosophy was carried out through all of the different dynasties. During the 800 years the Zhou ruled China they changed the culture a little bit by becoming more civilized. China was still not united into one country and there will still several groups of barbarians. The Zhou moved away from that type of life. They also built up a good army that helped control, and keep order in the country. The Zhou dynasty fell during The War of the States. The Qin state conquered all of the other states and became the next and one of the greatest