The Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC – 771 BC) was an important historical period in Chinese history, marking the establishment and development of the Chinese feudal system. This article will detail the important events, political evolution, cultural characteristics, and social changes of the Western Zhou Dynasty in a timeline manner.
I. Prelude: The Decline of the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC - 1046 BC) Before understanding the Western Zhou Dynasty, it is necessary to review the history of the Shang Dynasty. The Shang Dynasty, the first recorded feudal dynasty in Chinese history, was established in the 16th century BC and ruled northern China by Shang kings represented by Shang Tang and Wu Ding. However, during the reign of King Shu of Shang, corruption and social unrest intensified within the Shang Dynasty, leading to the decline of the state.
II. The Founding of the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC - 1043 BC) The Battle of Makino (1046 BC):
King Wen of Zhou (Ji Chang) and King Wu of Zhou (Ji Fa) launched the Battle of Makiye and defeated the last monarch of the Shang Dynasty, King Shang, marking the end of the Shang Dynasty and the establishment of Western Zhou.
Establishment of the Zhou royal family (1043 BC):
King Wen of Zhou declared himself king in Chongzhen Hall and established the Zhou royal family. At this time, the establishment of the Zhou Dynasty was actually still in the cradle, and it was necessary to face a wide range of anti-commercial remnants to establish national unity.
III. Early Western Zhou (1043 BC - 828 BC) State Unification and Partition System:
King Wen of Zhou adopted a system of divided fiefdoms, dividing the country into more than a hundred vassal states, each ruled by a noble lord. These feudal states were divided among relatives or meritorious generals of the Zhou royal family, a system that maintained a certain autonomy but required allegiance and tribute to the Zhou dynasty.
Reforms of King Wu of Zhou (1043 BC - 1035 BC):
King Wu of Zhou implemented a series of political reforms, established the official system and official position system, established the authority of the royal family, and stabilized the national unity.
Eradication (1043 BC):
King Wen of Zhou and King Wu of Zhou actively supported the wise people, overthrew the tyranny of King Shun of the Shang Dynasty, and eradicated violence became an important event in history, showing the expectations of the people and the urgent need for political reform.
In the middle of the Western Zhou Dynasty (828 BC - 771 BC), the state was divided:
In the middle of the Western Zhou Dynasty, corruption in the fiefdom system and instability within the country led to large-scale national divisions and wars. Some vassal states began to break away from the rule of the Zhou Dynasty, forming a relatively independent state system.
Founding of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770 BC):
The division of the state system of the Western Zhou Dynasty led to the establishment of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, whose capital was located in Luoyi (present-day Luoyang, Henan). During the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, the authority of the Zhou Dynasty gradually weakened, and it was effectively divided into two regimes, the Eastern Zhou and the Western Zhou.
V. The Social and Cultural Separation System of the Western Zhou Dynasty:
The system of division and sealing was a core feature of Western Zhou society, which laid the foundation of Chinese feudal society. The feudal system gave local lords a certain degree of autonomy in their own domains, but still required tribute and allegiance to the central government
。 Official system and etiquette:
The Western Zhou Dynasty established an official system that clarified the responsibilities and ranks of different officials. The Rites of Zhou became a classic cultural work that regulated the behavior and etiquette of officials.
Bronze Culture:
The Western Zhou Dynasty was the heyday of Chinese bronze culture, and bronze became a symbol of social status and authority, such as ceremonial vessels, musical instruments, and weapons.
Zhou Yi and Yi Xue:
The Zhou Yi became popular as a Bu Xiao document during the Western Zhou Dynasty, and Yi Xue became an important part of ancient Chinese philosophy and culture.
The Decline and End of the Western Zhou Dynasty (771 BC) The Demise of the Western Zhou:
In 771 BC, Luoyi, the capital of the Western Zhou Dynasty, was invaded by foreign tribes, and the Western Zhou state system collapsed, marking the end of the Western Zhou period. Subsequently, the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period began, and Chinese history entered a new stage of development.
The Western Zhou Dynasty was an important period in Chinese history, establishing the foundation of the feudal system and laying the foundation of Chinese feudal society. Political reforms, cultural prosperity, and social changes in the Western Zhou Dynasty all had a profound impact on the development of Chinese history and culture. Although the Western Zhou Dynasty ended with division and turmoil, it paved the way for the subsequent development of Chinese history and made an important contribution to the evolution of Chinese feudal society.
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