Assignment: Losing the Mandate of Heaven.
Under the Zhou the Chinese ruler possessed the "mandate of Heaven," an impersonal law of nature devoted to universal harmony. The king ruled as a representative of Heaven, and was responsible for governing with compassion and justice. Famines, floods, or social unrest could indicate that the ruler had lost the mandate of Heaven, and thus could be overthrown. The rise and fall of dynasties during this era will be tied to the mandate.
INSTRUCTIONS
• Identify at least two outside sources to support your discussion. Please keep in mind that Wikipedia is not an acceptable reference.
PREPARE AND SUBMIT
Write a well organized essay a minimum of 700 words, including supporting details from the documents/textbook/other sources, in which you to address the following:
Compare and contrast the Chinese dynasties of this era. Examine and discuss the various possible causes for the loss of the "Mandate of Heaven" from the Han to the Yuan dynasties, and assess the reasons for and impact of the Mongol victory over China. Was it "simply" a matter of better military effectiveness or were societal, economic, and related attitudinal elements influential, if not determinative?