(206 BCE-220 CE) © Student Handouts, Inc. The Han Dynasty of China: A Chinese Golden Age Make a prediction! Why is it called this? Image courtesy of Wikipedia. (206 BCE-220 CE) © Student Handouts, Inc.

Historical Setting of the Han Han dynasty was China’s second imperial dynasty 206 (or 202) BCE-220 CE Over 400 years

Liu Bang – Emperor Gaozu of Han Civil war Two strong leaders Xiang Yu (aristocratic general) Liu Bang (peasant-class general under Xiang Yu) 202 BCE Liu Bang beat Xiang Yu for good Liu Bang reigned 202 BCE-195 BCE.

Government under the Han Centralized government Capital cities Lowered taxes Less harsh punishments

Image courtesy of Wikipedia: http://upload. wikimedia

Emperor Wudi Wudi lived 141-87 BCE Consolidated central power (land, food supply) Confucianism made official government philosophy.

Social Classes under the Han Emperor Governors and Kings Nobles, Scholars, and State Officials Peasants (Farmers) Artisans and Merchants Soldiers Slaves

Rich & Poor Wealthy families lived in large estates. Hired laborers, private security, and entertainment. Peasants made up 90% of population. Long hours, low pay, heavy taxes.

Revival of the Family Confucianism taught: Children must obey parents. Wives must obey husbands. Families should obey fathers = Citizens should obey emperor.

Art & Literature Painting Literature Figure painting/portraits. Historical recordings. Poetry Fu- Long Shi - Short

Han Dynasty Inventions Paper Acupuncture Use needles at certain body points to relieve pain. Seismograph Measured strength of earthquakes. Sundial Told time of day.(clock)

Technology under the Han List in order from greatest to least impact. Paper Invented in 105 CE Books became inexpensive to produce; expanded education Bureaucracy grew and became more efficient Collar harness Horses could carry heavier loads Best harness available at the time worldwide Plow The Chinese made one with two blades Much more efficient Wheelbarrow Invented independently (Greeks had invented as well) Central wheel and axle let Chinese wheelbarrows carry very heavy weights Waterwheel Used to power things such as the bellows for smelting iron

Ancient Chinese wheelbarrow List in order from greatest impact Then students could get up and go to their number one, discuss why greatest impact then sit back down and write. Image courtesy of Wikipedia. Ancient Chinese wheelbarrow

Commerce and Trade under the Han Growth of trade along the Silk Roads

Civil Service under the Han Over 130,000 employees Civil service exams Confucian principles described the qualities that emperors wanted in civil servants Wudi set up a Confucian-themed university. Formal examinations in Confucianism, history, law, and literature for civil service positions Theoretically a merit-based system But poor could not afford to educate their children In effect until the downfall of China’s last dynasty in 1912