Abstract: The Zhou Dynasty is a dynasty in Chinese history after the Shang Dynasty, divided into two periods: the Western Zhou (mid-11th century BC 771 BC) and the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770 BC 256 BC). Western Zhou was founded by Jifa, King Wu of Zhou, with the capital at Hojing and Luoyi; The Eastern Zhou Dynasty was established by Ji Yiusu, the king of Zhouping, and the capital was Luoyi. The establishment of the Zhou Dynasty can be traced back to the 11th century BC, when King Wu fell, destroyed commerce and established Zhou, and implemented a series of reform measures, such as the implementation of the feudal system and the change of dynasty, which made the Zhou Dynasty gradually stronger. However, in 771 BC, Inu Rong attacked Hojing and killed King You. King Zhou's son Yi Su fled to Luoyi, and established the Eastern Zhou Dynasty with the support of the princes Shen, Xu, and Lu. The establishment and prosperity of the Zhou Dynasty benefited from the reforms and reigns of King Wu and Gongdan of Zhou, as well as the efforts of subsequent generations of monarchs, which allowed it to maintain its state for more than 800 years.
1. The establishment of the Zhou Dynasty
The establishment of the Zhou Dynasty dates back to the 11th century BC, when King Ji Fa of Zhou Wu led the Zhou army to defeat the Shang Dynasty at the Battle of Makiye, overthrowing the rule of King Shang and establishing the Western Zhou Dynasty. After King Wu succeeded to the throne, he implemented a series of reform measures, such as the implementation of the feudal system and the change of dynasties, which gradually made the Zhou dynasty stronger. During the regency of Zhou Gongdan, he continued to implement King Wu's reform policies, strengthened the centralization of power, and made the Zhou dynasty more stable.
Second, the feudal system of the Zhou Dynasty
The Zhou Dynasty implemented a feudal system, dividing the state into clansmen and meritorious ministers, etc., strengthening the central government's rule over the localities and making the country more stable. The feudal system reached its peak during the Zhou Dynasty, forming a feudal state with many elements. The feudal system had a profound impact on later generations and became the basis of Chinese feudal society.
Third, the cultural achievements of the Zhou Dynasty
The Zhou Dynasty also made brilliant achievements in terms of culture, such as classic works such as "Zhou Yi" and "Shang Shu", as well as cultural relics such as bronze and jade, all of which reflected the high civilization of the Zhou Dynasty. The cultural influence of the Zhou dynasty was far-reaching, and it had an important impact on later generations.
4. The decline and demise of the Zhou Dynasty
However, in 771 BC, Inu Rong attacked Hojing and killed King You. King Zhou's son Yi Su fled to Luoyi, and established the Eastern Zhou Dynasty with the support of the princes Shen, Xu, and Lu. After that, the Zhou dynasty gradually declined, and in 256 BC, Qin destroyed the Zhou dynasty and the Zhou dynasty fell.
V. Summary
Overall, the establishment and prosperity of the Zhou Dynasty benefited from the reforms and reigns of King Wu and Gongdan of Zhou, as well as the efforts of subsequent generations of monarchs, which allowed it to maintain its state for more than 800 years.