HIST 270: Chapter 2 Reading Guide

Ebrey, A History of China — Chapter 2: Philosophers and Warring States During the Eastern Zhou Period (770–256 B.C.E.)

Note: This is a reading guide, not a study guide. It is designed to be completed while you read — directing you to specific passages, keeping you engaged, and holding you accountable as you move through the text. The goal is comprehension and evidence-gathering, not review.

Chinese history can feel unfamiliar at first. This guide will help you identify and understand the most important events and processes, so that by the time you finish the chapter, you will have a solid grasp of the material your professor wants you to know — and be well prepared for the Chapter Quiz.

Step 1: Find the sentence using the page and opening words provided. Type it verbatim into the first box.
Step 2: Answer the question in your own words. No outside research needed or permitted.
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Review Question 1

On Page 21, find the sentence beginning with the words: "During this period..."

Type the entire sentence verbatim here to identify the evidence:

How did the political structure of the Eastern Zhou period differ from the Western Zhou, and what was the role of the “hegemon” within this evolving multistate system?

Review Question 2

On Page 23, find the sentence beginning with the words: "Large, well-drilled infantry..."

Type the entire sentence verbatim here to identify the evidence:

Analyze the transformation of warfare from the Spring and Autumn period to the Warring States period. How did technological, tactical, and organizational innovations alter the scale and societal impact of conflict?

Review Question 3

On Page 24, find the sentence beginning with the words: "They wanted to..."

Type the entire sentence verbatim here to identify the evidence:

Discuss the major economic and demographic transformations that occurred during the Eastern Zhou period. How did developments in agriculture, administration, and metallurgy contribute to the decline of serfdom?

Review Question 4

On Page 26, find the sentence beginning with the words: "For the shi..."

Type the entire sentence verbatim here to identify the evidence:

Explain the emergence and significance of the shi class during the Eastern Zhou period. How did the changing political landscape create opportunities for these individuals to influence statecraft?

Review Question 5

On Page 26, find the sentence beginning with the words: "Confucius urged his..."

Type the entire sentence verbatim here to identify the evidence:

What were the foundational principles of Confucius’s ethical and political philosophy, and how did he redefine the concept of the “gentleman” (junzi)?

Review Question 6

On Page 27, find the sentence beginning with the words: "Using this standard..."

Type the entire sentence verbatim here to identify the evidence:

Contrast the philosophies of Mozi and Confucius. In what specific ways did Mozi use the concept of utility to challenge Confucian ideas regarding family ties, ritual, and warfare?

Review Question 7

On Page 29, find the sentence beginning with the words: "Xunzi explicitly opposed..."

Type the entire sentence verbatim here to identify the evidence:

Compare and contrast the interpretations of human nature proposed by Mencius and Xunzi. How did their differing views shape their respective approaches to government and moral development?

Review Question 8

On Page 30, find the sentence beginning with the words: "The authors of..."

Type the entire sentence verbatim here to identify the evidence:

How did Daoist thinkers like Laozi and Zhuangzi respond to the political and moral striving advocated by Confucians? Describe their alternative vision for society and the individual’s role within the natural order.

Review Question 9

On Page 31, find the sentence beginning with the words: "These theorists, labeled..."

Type the entire sentence verbatim here to identify the evidence:

Analyze the core tenets of Legalism as articulated by Han Feizi and implemented by the state of Qin. Why did Legalist thinkers argue that Confucian virtue was fundamentally insufficient for governing a state?

Review Question 10

On Page 32, find the sentence beginning with the words: "Yin and yang..."

Type the entire sentence verbatim here to identify the evidence:

Discuss the evolution of thought regarding the natural world and the spirit realm during the late Zhou period. How did concepts like yin and yang interact with traditional spiritual and magico-religious practices?

Review Question 11

On Page 33, find the sentence beginning with the words: "Chu also was..."

Type the entire sentence verbatim here to identify the evidence:

Evaluate the cultural relationship between the central Zhou states and peripheral southern regions like the state of Chu. How did Chu assimilate into the Zhou political sphere while maintaining its distinct cultural and literary identity?