One of the most important reasons for the decline of the Zhou Dynasty was
A)inability to fight off incursions of nomadic attackers.
B)loss of the Mandate of Heaven following extensive flooding, causing famine and death.
C)loss of centralization
D)rebellion against goverment control of key commodities like salt.
E)rise of rival religious clans.

Question

​One of the most important reasons for the decline of the Zhou Dynasty was
A)​inability to fight off incursions of nomadic attackers.
B)​loss of the Mandate of Heaven following extensive flooding, causing famine and death.
C)​loss of centralization
D)​rebellion against goverment control of key commodities like salt.
E)​rise of rival religious clans.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

One of the major reasons for the decline of the Zhou Dynasty was the loss of centralization. The power of the Zhou kings declined towards the end of their reign and regional lords gained more control over their own territories, resulting in a lack of centralized government and an inability to maintain unity. This eventually led to the fragmentation of the dynasty into smaller states, which paved the way for the Warring States period. While the other options such as nomadic invasions, famine, rebellions, and religious conflicts did play a part in the decline of the Zhou Dynasty, the loss of centralization was a primary reason.

​One of the Most Important Reasons for the Decline of the Zhou

One of the Most Important Reasons for the Decline of the Zhou