Transcript The Han Dynasty

Aim: How did strong rulers
contribute to the growth of China?
KEY TERMS
The Han Dynasty
Civil Service Examination
Silk Road
Cultural Diffusion
Coach Smith
The Han dynasty was an important Chinese
dynasty.
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The Han Dynasty
 The Han dynasty unified China for over four hundred years.
 Han emperors ruled China from 206 B.C. to 220 A.D.
 The Han dynasty is frequently compared to the Roman
Empire.
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Han emperors expanded China’s borders
and increased trade.
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Confucianism
 During the Han dynasty, Confucianism began the official
philosophy of China.
 Confucianism stressed the importance of individuals knowing
and doing what was expected of them.
 Confucius taught that social order led to peace and harmony
in society.
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Confucius believed
in the importance
of the social order.
He believed that
an orderly society
was a harmonious
society.
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Civil Service Examination
 During the Han dynasty, a civil service examination based on
Confucianism was established.
 In order to work in the Chinese government, a man had to
pass an examination on Chinese history and Confucianism.
 Only scholars could work in the government.
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To work for the
government, a
Chinese man had
to pass a difficult
examination. By
establishing a
civil service
examination,
education was
emphasized.
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Overland Trade
 During the Han dynasty, merchants established overland
trade routes to other centers of civilization.
 The Silk Road went through Central Asia to the Middle East.
 The Silk Road was a famous Chinese trading route.
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The Silk Road was a famous Chinese
trading route.
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Cultural Diffusion
 Cultural diffusion is the exchange of cultural ideas and/or
objects.
 The Silk Road encouraged cultural diffusion.
 Chinese ideas and objects were introduced to other cultures.
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The Chinese invented the compass and
many other wonderful objects.
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Chinese contact
with India led to
the introduction
of Buddhism in
China.
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Questions for Reflection:
 Why is the Han dynasty frequently compared to the Roman
Empire?
 Why did Han emperors establish a civil service examination?
 What philosophy became the official philosophy of China
during the Han dynasty?
 Why did the Silk Road increase cultural diffusion?
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