How was Chinese Society Influenced by Confucianism?
...when done unto yourself, do not do unto others.” This philosophy influenced the Chinese and other cultures to treat others how they themselves would like to be treated. Confucius’ teachings also influenced the founder of the Han dynasty to visit the tomb of Confucius and offer sacrifices to his spirit. His teachings took so much significance that after Confucius’ death, an emperor of China ordered schools to make sacrifices to Confucius’ soul. In 1368, when the Chinese defeated Mongol conquerors, the Ming emperors tried to rid China of all and any Mongol influences. This caused for the emperors of China too look back at the great ages of China’s past for inspiration and tried to bring back the successfulness of the Han, Tang, and Shung dynasties. In that effort, the Ming emperors brought back Confucianism. Confucianism influenced China’s social class. The philosophy divided society into four classes (from highest to lowest). 1. Scholar-officials (highest class) 2. Peasants 3. Artisans 4. Merchants (lowest class) Since Confucianism placed merchants as the lowest class, it did not allow for overseas trade, since the Chinese were the most skillful sailors in the world, it would have benefited the country. The Ming emperors did not believe that foreign trade helped the country. Confucianism influenced China’s emperors to not trade with oversea countries or try to conquer an...