Why were the merchants at the bottom of Chinese society?
In Imperial China, the merchants, traders, and peddlers of goods were viewed by the scholarly elite as essential members of society, yet were esteemed least of the four occupations in society, due to the view that they were a threat to social harmony from acquiring disproportionally large incomes, market manipulation …
Why were merchants at the bottom of the social hierarchy?
Merchants were eighth on the Tokugawa class hierarchy and third of the commoner classes. Merchants were placed at the very bottom of the official system because they did not produce any goods, and due to their low status, were forced to hustle trading local and regional goods.
What did merchants in ancient China trade?
Besides silk, the Chinese also exported (sold) teas, salt, sugar, porcelain, and spices. Most of what was traded was expensive luxury goods. This was because it was a long trip and merchants didn’t have a lot of room for goods. They imported, or bought, goods like cotton, ivory, wool, gold, and silver.
What did merchants do in China?
Why were merchants not respected in ancient China?
What technology was developed in China during the Zhou dynasty? Why were merchants not respected in ancient China? people believe that they’re interested in themselves and not the good in society. What are 2 examples that show Qin’s rule was harsh?
Who was at the bottom of the social structure in ancient China?
At the bottom of the pyramid were the commoners who were categorized into two groups: Fangguo Hu (city dwellers) and Xiangcun Hu (rural population). Fangguo Hu and Xiangcun Hu had ranks. The first rank, commoners (both Fangguo and Xiangcun), were the wealthiest.
What did merchants do in the Han Dynasty?
They sold everyday necessities, items produced by farms and workshops, to commoners. These merchants often worked in the great public markets in large cities, such as the capital. They sold their goods in an atmosphere made lively by street acrobats, storytellers, and visiting foreigners.