Chinese Nationalism: Unit Introduction PowerPoint

A PowerPoint designed to introduce students to their new topic: China. It begins with some interesting facts about China (with statistics written in 2019 and 2020). This is followed by information about our overarching learning intentions for the unit. A visual timeline of the weeks to complete the task is displayed on the board to emphasise to students why it is important to knuckle down.

Then the focus of the lesson begins with an introduction to the historical context of China. Information about how a person’s name is written in sources is provided along with an explanation of the Wade-Giles and Pinyin systems. This is followed by information about what traditional China was like (during the Qing dynasty). There is information about the roles of women and children. An explanation of the prevalent belief system (Confucianism) is provided. A key idea: ‘The Mandate from Heaven’ is explained along with how power could change hands (how dynasties were challenged and overtaken). A summary of each part of the social structure (taken from Inquiry 1 textbook) is displayed to inform students about the relative status of Shenshi, Peasants, Artisans, Workers, Merchants, Traders, Professional Soldiers. Information is provided about their beliefs and foreign policy. The lesson then looks at how the Qing Dynasty was overthrown. Information is provided about The Taiping Rebellion and The Boxer Rebellion. A key figure (Sun Yat-Sen / Sun Yixian) is introduced. This is followed by information about an event: the 1911 Xinhai Revolution. There is a 9 minute YouTube clip for students to watch and then there are some notes for them to copy down (underlined). Finally, summary of events up to the Warlord era (1916-27) are provided.