The Han Dynasty 206BC-220AD

The Rise of a New Dynasty Liu Bang - a peasant who became emperor (Became emperor in large part because of Mandate of Heaven) He won people’s loyalty & trust (Who would like Liu Bang?)

Liu Bang Eliminated harsh gov’t Lowers taxes Made punishments less severe Gave land to supporters Educated officials helped him rule

Wudi creates a new gov’t -Han ruler Wudi created a stronger gov’t by making Confucianism gov’t philosophy

Confucianism It emphasizes: -Respect for elders -Loyalty toward family Confucianism- teaching of Confucius It emphasizes: -Respect for elders -Loyalty toward family -Obedience to authority (Confucianism could get you a good job, if you passed an exam you could work for the gov’t)

Han Social Structure Emperor/Scholars Peasants/Farmers (90% of Pop.) Artisans Merchants (What is odd about this arrangement?)

Chinese Family During the Han Dynasty -Father as head of family with absolute power Respect for elders Honor ancestors Males are more valuable than females

Inventions & Advances Invented paper by grinding plant fibers into a paste then letting it dry in sheets (They then pasted several sheets together and rolled it into a scroll)

Inventions and Advances Sundial- device that uses the position of shadows cast by sun to tell time Seismograph- device that measures strength of earthquakes Acupuncture- practice of inserting fine needles through skin to cure disease or relieve pain