Transcript The Han Dynasty of China

The Han Dynasty of China:
A Chinese Golden Age
(206 BCE-220 CE)
©
Historical Setting of the Han
 Followed the Qin
dynasty
Rebel general, Liu
Bang, gained
control of China
following years of
fighting after the fall
of the Qin Dynasty
Came from a poor
family
Reuniting and Expanding
China
Encouraged learning
Lowered taxes
Expanding China
Wudi (5th Han Emperor) send armies to
conquer lands in Central Asia
Less harsh punishments
Kept many of Qin laws
Confucian advisors encouraged rulers to set
an example of mercy and proper behavior
Wudi
Wudi lived 141-87 BCE
Used warfare to expand the Chinese empire
Northern steppes
Borders under Wudi nearly what they are today
Structure of Government
Strong central government
Followed the example of Qin
Noblemen remained weak
Organized like a pyramid
Emperor and chief advisors
Officials to monitor progress
Towns and villages
Civil Service under the Han
Civil service= system of government
employees selected for skills and
knowledge
Civil service exams
Confucian principles described the qualities
that emperors wanted in civil servants
Wudi set up a Confucian-themed school
Formal examinations in Confucianism, history,
law, and literature for civil service positions
Officials could not serve in their home districts
Theoretically a merit-based system
 But poor could not afford to educate their children
Silk Roads under the Han
• Trade routes across Asia on land
– To Mediterranean (access to Europe) in the
west
• Chinese silks were sold in the marketplaces of
the ancient Roman empire
• Traded silk and other goods
• Cultural diffusion
• Also a path for the spread of ideas
Han Society
Based on Confucian values
Valued mental work over physical labor
Farmers were respected because they
produced important basic goods
Artisans valued for skill and hard work
Social Classes under the Han
Emperor
Governors
and Kings
Nobles, Scholars,
and State Officials
Peasants (Farmers)
Artisans and Merchants
Soldiers
Slaves
Han Family Life
Confucian teachings about family
loyalty and respect for elders were
key values
Legal code also enforced Confucian
values
Parents could report children who did not
behave with filial piety
Agriculture under the Han
• Farmers were the backbone of
China’s economy
• 90% of the population
• “Agriculture is the foundation of the
world. No duty is greater”
• Most farms in Han China were small
• Wheat, millet, barley, beans and rice
Industry
Iron and salt became and important
industries during Han China
Became so important Wudi turned them
into state monopolies
Monopolies brought in money which
helped fund military adventures
Achievements under the Han
 Science
Herbal medicines
Acupuncture
 Art
Calligraphy
Lacquer
 Inventions
Seismometer
 Wheelbarrow
Paper
Seismometer
Unification of the Han Empire
Colonization
• Farmers sent to
settle new areas
• Settlers
encouraged to
marry locals
Assimilation
• Established
Confucian
schools in
colonized areas
• Chinese became
the common
written language
Important Terms to Know
CE= Common Era
We live in 2015 CE
BCE= Before Common Era
The Qin Dynasty ended in 207 BCE
AD= After Death
We live in 2015 AD
BC= Before Christ
The Qin Dynasty ended in 207 BC