ABSTRACT

The Yin and Chou dynasties were slave societies, but by the time of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States, there was a rapid change from the slave system to the feudal system.

During this period of rapid social change, the struggle of the slaves against the slave owners’ enslavement and oppression developed without interruption. For instance, the rebellion of the city-wall construction workers of the state of Ch’en in 550 B.C. (Tso-chuan, 23rd year of the reign of Duke Hsiang), the rebellion of the "hundred artisans" *, at the court of the Chou King in 520 B.C. (Tso-chuan, 22nd year of the reign of Duke Chao), the attack on Duke Chuang of Wei by the handicraftslaves of the state of Wei in 478 B.C. (Tso-chuan, 17th year of the reign of Duke Ai), and Marquis ChTe of Wei being driven into exile by the handicraft-slaves of the state of Wei, who, armed with tools, stormed the court in 470 B.C. (Tso-chuan, 25th year of the reign of Duke Ai). There were also some

Yang Jung-kuo, "ChTun-chTiu Chan-kuo shih-chTi ssuhsiang ling-yu nei liang tTiao lu-hsien ti tou-cheng." HungchTi [Red Flag], No. 12 (December 1, 1972), 45-54.