China's ordered society

China's ordered society

1. Emperor

   • Held the ultimate and superior power.
     • Throne was passed down through nobility.

2. Gentry- wealthy land owning class.

   • Able to spend years studying and recieved good education.
     • Were capable of partaking in government.

3. Peasantry- usually worked on land or as servants.

   • Land reforming allowed peasants to earn money so they could pay taxes.
     • Lived in small self-sufficient villages.

4. Merchants- had the lowest social status.

   • Because they recieve their wealth from the labor of others.
     • Rulers often restricted where foreign merchants could live.