Discuss and write down why, how and what had happened to have caused an end to the Shang Dynasty. Support your conclusion with evidence (primary or/and secondary).
Why? The Shang king was evil and that heaven no longer wanted him to rule. They blamed the Shang’s downfall on its king’s excessive drinking, indulgent lifestyle, and immoral behavior.
What? Conquerors from the state of Zhou invaded the capital and successfully toppled the Shang Dynasty.
How? Conquerors from the state of Zhou invaded the capital.
Evidence The Shang Dynasty ended in about 1050 BCE, when conquerors from the state of Zhou invaded the capital and successfully toppled the Shang Dynasty. The Zhou conquerors claimed to overthrow the Shang Dynasty for moral reasons. They said that the Shang king was evil and that heaven no longer wanted him to rule. They blamed the Shang’s downfall on its king’s excessive drinking, indulgent lifestyle, and immoral behavior. The downfall remained a cautionary tale to kings and emperors for years to come.