King Wu
I. Early Years
A. King Wu’s Zhou ancestors coexisted with the Shang and were often alternating between peace
and war with each other.
B. King Wu was the second son of King Wen whose wisdom set the foundation of plans to
undermine the authority of the Shang Dynasty.
II. Significant Events
A. King Wu’s army defeated and overthrew the Shang Dynasty.
B. The Warring States period arose due to several states often fighting for power. This lasted for
about 250 years until order was achieved.
III. Personal Attributes
A. King Wu was considered a fair and capable leader.
B. He promoted social harmony.
IV. Contributions
A. In the beginning, stability of Zhou rule was achieved through feudalism. Even though the king
owned the land, lords were able to rule their states and protect their peasant farmers. They would
also send soldiers to the king if he needed them.
B. Intellectual tradition flourished during the Zhou Dynasty. Schools of thought such as Daoism,
Confucianism, and Legalism were formed and began to shape the character of Chinese civilization.
V. My Impressions
A. It must have been hectic for the Chinese to live in such mayhem during the Warring States period.
B. I like how the people tried to search for solutions when there was constant disorder and war to
make China a more peaceful place.
A. King Wu’s Zhou ancestors coexisted with the Shang and were often alternating between peace
and war with each other.
B. King Wu was the second son of King Wen whose wisdom set the foundation of plans to
undermine the authority of the Shang Dynasty.
II. Significant Events
A. King Wu’s army defeated and overthrew the Shang Dynasty.
B. The Warring States period arose due to several states often fighting for power. This lasted for
about 250 years until order was achieved.
III. Personal Attributes
A. King Wu was considered a fair and capable leader.
B. He promoted social harmony.
IV. Contributions
A. In the beginning, stability of Zhou rule was achieved through feudalism. Even though the king
owned the land, lords were able to rule their states and protect their peasant farmers. They would
also send soldiers to the king if he needed them.
B. Intellectual tradition flourished during the Zhou Dynasty. Schools of thought such as Daoism,
Confucianism, and Legalism were formed and began to shape the character of Chinese civilization.
V. My Impressions
A. It must have been hectic for the Chinese to live in such mayhem during the Warring States period.
B. I like how the people tried to search for solutions when there was constant disorder and war to
make China a more peaceful place.