The eastward move and growing regional states
The Zhou court’s move east to Luoyang changed the political center. Eastern Zhou is conventionally dated to approximately 770–256 BCE. Royal power declined as regional states organized land, populations and armed forces. The Shiji describes stronger rulers absorbing weaker ones and the growth of Qi, Chu, Qin and Jin under King Ping, changing relations between the king and regional rulers.
War and changes in government
During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, rulers competed through war, alliances and diplomacy. Sustained military activity required food, soldiers and administration, encouraging changes in land management, mobilization and recruitment. Rulers sought people able to manage government. Scholars moved between states and brought their proposals into courts and local administration.
States opposed one another but also coordinated action through alliances. Regional rulers expanded their influence, while royal ritual and titles remained part of diplomacy. Political relations combined inherited status with changing balances of power.
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Different proposals for society and politics
Intellectual discussion developed alongside these changes. Confucius and later followers discussed humaneness, ritual and learning, while other traditions offered different proposals about order, interests and government. Teaching, persuasion and the transmission of texts sustained political debate. The later idea of the “Hundred Schools” arose from many thinkers and developing intellectual traditions.
References: [1]
From the end of Zhou to Qin unification
The Eastern Zhou royal house ended in 256 BCE, and interstate competition continued afterward. Qin progressively conquered the other major states and established a unified empire in 221 BCE. Centuries of war and reform left new administrative experience. Thinkers’ questions and texts also continued to circulate, forming an inheritance for government and learning under Qin, Han and later dynasties.