The Qin and Han Dynasties

Four Chinese Dynasties

Qin Shihuangdi

Emperor Qin Shihuangdi Qin was a ruler of a local state during the Zhou dynasty He gradually took over neighboring states and declared himself Qin Shihuangdi, or First Qin Emperor. Qin’s rule was based on Legalism Qin abolished the officials’ authority to pass their posts on to their sons. He also censored ideas he found to be offensive or dangerous.

Emperor Qin Shihuangdi He became the only person authorized to fill empty posts. Qin united China, created one type of currency, ordered the building of roads and buildings, and connected the Chang Jiang to central China by canal.

Emperor Qin Shihuangdi The Great Wall of China was built to protect the Chinese from the Xiongnu, a nomadic people living north of China. Built over many dynasties, but started with the Qin. Chinese people believed Qin Shihuangdi was a harsh ruler, and they overthrew his dynasty after his death.

The Qin and Han Dynasties

The Han Dynasty Liu Bang founded the Han dynasty in 202 B.C. He was from a poor family, but had good advisors. Knew that cruelty was a recipe for being overthrown. Lowered taxes and the economy flourished.

The Han Dynasty The population tripled during the Han dynasty. Farmers had to divide their land among more and more sons, which left them with very little land Farmers sold their land to aristocrats and became tenant farmers to survive.

Han Government Strong Central government. Why? Because a strong central government can easily rule a larger area. Civil Service established. This is a MAJOR contribution of the Han. –People tested for their positions in government; not hereditary. –Students prepared for many years to take the exams. –First exams given under Emperor Wudi, the 5 th Han Emperor, and the most famous Han Emperor.

Travels West Wudi wanted to find allies to fight the Xiongnu (Mongols) so he sent a General, Zhang Qian to find tribes to attack the Mongols. Gen. Qian was captured by the Mongols, but encountered Romans in the areas around Mesopotamia; described them when he returned home. China moved west slightly, and that opened up trade routes.

The Silk Road Silk was the most valuable trade product. The Silk Road was an overland trade route extended from western China to southwest Asia.

Han Social Order Han social order based on Confucius; valued mental and physical labor. Scholars important. Anyone who made something (farmers grew food, artisans respected for skills). Merchants were not respected because they didn’t make anything of importance. Slavery did exist. –Legal punishment –Family sold off a family member to pay a debt.

Han Social Order Remember Confucius’ teachings? Adult children who disrespected parents were punished under the law. Women treated well, but rarely educated.

Important Han Achievements Arts: painting, sculpture, poetry. Also, calligraphy developed. –Created lacquer from tree sap; protective coating that was put on wood and made it stronger. Science: Calculated solar year, created herbal medicines, and came up with acupuncture. Inventions: waterwheel, the rudder, drill bits, steel, paper, seismometer, and wheel barrows

Important Han Achievements Arts: painting, sculpture, poetry. Also, calligraphy developed. –Created lacquer from tree sap; protective coating that was put on wood and made it stronger. Science: Calculated solar year, created herbal medicines, and came up with acupuncture. Inventions: waterwheel, the rudder, drill bits, steel, paper, seismometer, and wheel barrows

Major Changes in China Buddhism spread from India to China. Buddhism helped people cope with the chaotic times. The Han dynasty fell after wars, rebellions, and plots against the emperor. Civil war began, and nomads invaded the country before the government collapsed.

How did the invention of the rudder change Chinese trade? With the rudder, the Chinese could move ships’ sails differently. Ships could now sail into the wind rather than with it. This meant Chinese ships could travel to the islands of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. The Qin and Han Dynasties

What empire had General Zhang Qian encountered during his 13- year trip west and how did he describe it upon his return? He had visited the Roman Empire and described the large cities with people wearing embroidered clothes and driving chariots. The Qin and Han Dynasties

How did Buddhism become popular in China? First, merchants from India brought Buddhism to China. During the unrest of the fall of the Han dynasty, people found comfort in the teachings of Buddhism, and more people began practicing the Buddhist religion. The Qin and Han Dynasties