Post on 14-Jan-2016
transcript
The Han Dynasty of China:A Chinese Golden Age
(206 BCE-220 CE)©
Historical Setting of the Han
Followed the Qin dynastyRebel 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 taxesExpanding China
Wudi (5th Han Emperor) send armies to conquer lands in Central Asia
Less harsh punishmentsKept many of Qin laws Confucian advisors encouraged rulers to
set an example of mercy and proper behavior
WudiWudi lived 141-87 BCEUsed warfare to expand the Chinese empire
Northern steppesBorders 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 progressTowns and villages
Civil Service under the HanCivil service= system of government
employees selected for skills and knowledge
Civil service examsConfucian principles described the qualities
that emperors wanted in civil servantsWudi set up a Confucian-themed schoolFormal examinations in Confucianism, history,
law, and literature for civil service positionsOfficials 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 valuesValued mental work over physical
laborFarmers were respected because they
produced important basic goodsArtisans valued for skill and hard
work
Social Classes under the Han
Han Family Life
Confucian teachings about family loyalty and respect for elders were key values
Legal code also enforced Confucian valuesParents 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 monopoliesMonopolies brought in money which
helped fund military adventures
Achievements under the Han Science
Herbal medicinesAcupuncture
ArtCalligraphy Lacquer
Inventions Seismometer Wheelbarrow PaperSeismometer
Unification of the Han Empire
Important Terms to Know
CE= Common Era We live in 2015 CE
BCE= Before Common EraThe Qin Dynasty ended in 207 BCE
AD= After Death We live in 2015 AD
BC= Before Christ The Qin Dynasty ended in 207 BC