Han Dynasty By: Loudon Hasler, Isaac Leifeld, Jaide Imblum, Courtney McDowell, and Shelbie Kellogg Shelbie Kellogg

Origins of the Empire and Dynasty 206 BCE- 220 CE One of longest major Chinese dynasties Emperor Gaozu was first Emperor Was minor official in previous Qin Dynasty Emperor Gaozu established capital Chang’an All major roads converged here Han Dynasty came to power after 4 year civil wars from uprising of peasants

Major Religious Beliefs & Institutions Many different religions were prominent during this dynasty. These religions included Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Although the main faith of the Han Dynasty is believed to be Taoism because it was founded within this dynasty. Taoism is the belief of opposites, this is where the yin yang sign originates from.

Major Religious Beliefs & Institutions Confucianism was the philosophical side of the religion. Taoism helped to created prominent ways of thinking. Became one of the biggest ideological beliefs of the era. The religion ruled China for almost two thousand years and came into the picture first in the Han Dynasty.

Major Religious Beliefs & Institutions Taoism is not an organized practice therefore it is not practiced specifically in a temple or church or any other religious institution. As Taoism does not believe in any Gods, Many Taoists worship the creator of the faith, Lao-tzu and his teachings along with other major teachers of the faith.

Major Cities Luoyang Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 A.D.) four square miles located in Henan Province (present day) dominated by two large palaces (used for trading, meetings, etc.) Chang’an Constructed by Emperor Gaozu Capital City Built on a symmetrical format world's longest serving capital city (1100 years)

Reasons for Collapse/Loss of Power End of 1st century - emperors were dying off young, and power was passed down to infants, which means that the guardians basically had the power Natural disasters were thought of as cause by the heavens during this time Eunuchs became a powerful group in politics - caused protests/uprisings Yellow Turban Rebellion - threatened imperial capital Liu Xie, a child, became the new ruler, but the real power was in the hands of Dong Zhou Killed Eunuchs, and weakened the imperial order The last year of the Han Dynasty was in 220 CE, when Lui Xie renounced his power

Economy The economy was defined by population growth,and growth of industry and trade. Economy mostly successful, small decline however New inventions and explosion in art contributed to economy Previous dynasty damaged economy Heavy taxes on peasants Great Wall damaged economy Han dynasty took away taxes on peasants Encouraged peasants to start growing more plants Agriculture was major aspect of Han economy Greatest help to economy was opening of Silk Road Invention of loom helped to create silk fabric

Expansion Main goal was to unite China. Emperor Wudi led military campaigns to gain territory during an era of military development. Mostly expanded Southward. Did have a reasonable expansion North too. Gained some of modern day Southern China. Expanded into parts of Mongolia, Central Asia, and parts of Korea. Chinese armies consisted of men usually successful at expanding.

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