Ancient China - Unit 4 - Chapter 23

In what ways did the Han dynasty improve government and daily life in China? Essential Question

23.1 Introduction Qin Shihuangdi, the Qin ruler, was China’s first emperor. Now we will learn about the next dynasty, the Han (Hahn) dynasty. Lasted 400 years (206 - 220 B.C.E.) People were unhappy after Qin Dynasty Liu Bang (LEE-oo bahng), gained control of Han dynasty Han emperors changed the way China was ruled Confucian Ideals & Morals were brought into Government Han Dynasty is well known for military achievements

23.2 Warfare Han excelled in warfare. New technologies. NEW Military methods and new weapons. Expanded east (farther than any other dynastry) Army ages: 25 - 60 yrs old. Estimated: 130,000 - 300,000 men New technologies. Advances in Iron improved quality and strength Created a fishscale armor 1st people to make iron swords This meant LONGER swords Crossbow The Kite - Used to scare & measure

23.3 - Government Bureaucracy Getting Jobs Government Job Once Hired The Han dynasty’s imperial government system was patterned after its predecessor, the Qin dynasty. A central control was established, meaning that the emperors had full control over all of China. Bureaucracy Getting Jobs Government Job Once Hired Large organization that followed set rules and conditions. Everyone is responsible of reporting to someone. In charge of roads, canals, food, etc. Followed the Confucianism idea. This meant that the Han Dynasty believed in ability and even a servant could get a job...if they had the ability and knowledge. To get a government job, a young man needed to pass a long, difficult civil service exam. It was based on the principles of chinese writing. The test took many days and they were watched for cheating. When someone passed the test and were hired, they were not allowed to work in their home area. This prevented people from doing special favors for friends/neighbors.

23.4 Agriculture Farmers faced difficulties Farmers were expected to plant enough food for themselves, families, and stock room. Farmers made their own clothing, build their homes, and volunteer 1 month - unpaid - for government. Floods & Drought destroyed crops. INVENTIONS Chain Pump: Moved water up hill to the fields. Iron Plows: Pushed dirt away from the row being plowed. Wheelbarrow: Made it easier to transfer food.

23.5 Industry Han dynasty controlled the two most important industries in China: Silk & Salt. Making Silk was difficult and took lots of time. They made silk production more efficient, because there was a high demand outside of China. Salt was an important trade item. The Han Dynasty found out how to make salt, but drilling iron tipped bamboo into the water.

These doctors are performing the healing technique of moxibustion These doctors are performing the healing technique of moxibustion. The method is still used today, often along with acupuncture.

23.7 - Medicine Yin & Yang Acupuncture Moxibustion Prediction Ancient Chinese believed that illness happened when the body was out of balance. Healers would try to balance things out again. Thin needles are inserted into parts of the body, this is done to rebalance the forces of Yin & Yang. Believed to be useful for curing illnesses like headaches. Healing technique where a small cone of powdered leaves or sticks is placed near the skin and burned. The head is believed to reduce pain and promote healing. Learned to judge health by listening to a person’s heartbeat or by feeling his or her pulse. They also learned that blood circulates from the heart through the body and back.

23.8 - Science Chinese astronomers recorded the appearance of comets - “broom stars” Discovered that the moon shines because it reflects the sunlight. Learned that a Solar Eclipse happens when the moon blocks the sun. Invented: Seismograph to detect earthquakes & the magnetic compass. The compass was used to determine which way temples, graves, and homes would be placed - this was done to bring good fortune. Seismograph Chinese Magnetic Compass

Answer: In what ways did the Han Dynasty improve government and daily life in China?