 The right to rule granted by heaven  Zhou justified their overthrow of Shang  Ruler called the son of heaven  Only given to virtuous, strong rulers  To lose mandate = someone else should rule  Replacement of dynasties = Dynastic Cycle  Signs one had lost mandate  Corruption, heavy taxes  Lazy officials and rulers  Revolts, invasions, civil wars, crime  Natural disasters  Society develops bad morals, habits
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