Chapter 15, section 2 Expansion under the Han Dynasty

The Qin Dynasty Falls After several years of fighting, an army general named Liu Bang founded the Han dynasty in 206 B.C. Han Dynasty ruled for 400 years Liu Bang had hired Confucius scholars as his advisors, who argued that the Qin lost power because of cruelty. – Encouraged learning – Lowered taxes – Ended the harsh punishment

Han Expansion The greatest Han emperor. He ruled for 50 years Under emperor Wudi (fifth in the dynasty) China expanded into Korea (north) and Vietnam (south).

Han Government Strong central government (no warring states as in Zhou) Local noblemen were not allowed to rule. Officials in each level of government answered to those above them in the pyramid. They enjoyed high salary and comfortable life. They wore special clothes, collected taxes, organized labor and enforced laws. Sometimes they would force people to move!

Pair-share Why were officials not allowed to rule in their home district? (read p. 458 “The Han emperor placed some limits…”) Look at map, p Answer the questions: – Which empire was bigger: Qin, or Han? – What does the red line represent? – Where was the Han capital city located? – Extra Credit: where is Korea? Where is Vietnam?

Civil Service = system in which gov officials are chosen for their skills and knowledge, NOT connections. More than 130,000 officials (after 200 years) Appointed, not hereditary! Existing officials could recommend others Civil service exams based on Confucian principles

Classwork Use the term “official” in a sentence describing the Han dynasty. Use the term “civil service” in a sentence describing the Han dynasty. What was tested in the civil service exam? (p. 458 “emperor wudi also created…”