Chapter 5 Discussion and Review

Explain the reasons for the expansion of the Roman Empire. Geography Rome was at the crossroads of Italy, and Italy was at the crossroads of the Mediterranean basin. Roman agriculturalists expanded the empire by seeking new land, and fought neighboring pastoralists. Roman Rule The Romans wisely extended citizenship and its privileges to conquered peoples, incorporating them directly into the growing empire. Booty from conquests, taxes levied on provinces, and control of the region’s trade brought great wealth, which provided the impetus and the means for further expansion. Fanning out from their central geographic location, the Romans conquered the Mediterranean area and controlled the commerce and politics within it.

Describe the failure of the Roman Republican system of government. Frequent wars and territorial expansion drained the empire of its military foundation Military was only open to men with property While Roman farmers were abroad fighting for the empire, the privileged and powerful purchased or otherwise took possession of the peasants’ land. Once landless men were allowed to enter the ranks, their loyalties lay with the generals who rewarded them with land and money. Civil Wars Ambitious Roman generals led armies against each other in power struggles, often invading Rome itself.

Describe the problems that led to the Roman Empire’s “third-century crisis.” internal and external problems grew until they reached the crisis stage in the third century. Frequent turnover of rulers, followed by chaos and civil wars, created the political dimension of the crisis. Political weakness in turn encouraged invasion from outside the empire. The economy suffered because of the disruption of commerce and high cost of rewarding the armies. The urban elite collapsed along with the economy, and imperial administrators went into hiding to escape their fiscal responsibilities. The population shifted from urban areas back to the countryside.

What policies did the first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, establish to create a unified Chinese civilization? Warring States Period small states had emphasized their independence. Qin took over the other states, it united China. Legalism used force and coercion to suppress all opposition Standarization helped to create a unified Chinese civilization. imposed standard weights and measures, coinage, uniform law code, common written language built roads to connect the empire and ease the movement of armies. Chain of walls on the northern frontier protected agricultural lands from nomadic attack.

Describe the rise of the Han dynasty in China. Declining Qin created traditions of cultural and political unity that drew the warring states together. The Han portrayed themselves as more benevolent than the Qin and subscribed to a Confucian code of responsibility. built on an agricultural foundation. Agriculture supplied the wealth and taxes to support the Chinese people and the Han government. Public Service The government required all males to donate one month every year to government projects and to serve two years in the military. The labor and taxes of the growing population of free peasants expanded the size and power of the Han dynasty.

Describe the lives of the Chinese people during the Han period, paying particular attention to women’s roles. Family The basic Chinese social unit included all previous generations. Confucian influence loyalty, obedience, respect, and honor. Each member of the family had a place in the hierarchy and a proper role to play. Women subordinate the roles of women, who were controlled by their fathers, husbands, or sons. not considered proper for women to participate in public life or business enterprises. Arranged marriages Urban elites Engaged in trade and leisure activities not available to the poor.

What role did technology play in the success and spread of the Han dynasty? The Han were exceptional inventors and innovators. Iron Making advanced military and agricultural pursuits Military crossbow and cavalry were among the important military innovations. Silk The production of silk and the ability to transport it helped expand Han economic power. Enormous defensive barriers, part of which became the Great Wall, were constructed to protect the empire.