Homework Complete the reading on the Silk Road and answer the questions on second page. Test on China Monday.

Aim: How did Confucianism influence the Han Dynasty? November 13, 2014 Do Now: It has been argued that Qin Shi Huangdi unified China at the expense of human freedom. Given the chaos that existed in China before, was this the right thing to do? What do you think is more important to have in a society: stability or freedom?

Are we giving up our freedom in the United States today? The NSA (National Security Agency) has been listening in on our phone calls and reading our s to detect any terrorist activities. Individuals suspected of acts of terrorism have been held at our prison at Guantanamo Bay for years without being charged or given a trial. Individuals suspected of having information about future terrorist plots have been waterboarded by our government.

I. Han Dynasty (202 B.C. – 221 A.D.) A. Qin Dynasty collapses after only 15 years. Following a brief period of civil war, the Han dynasty brings peace and unity to China for 400 years. B. Dynasty is founded by Han Gaozu → Abandons Legalism for Confucianism C. Han Wudi → Expands China further south and defeats nomads in the north

II. Civil Service Examinations A. Han rulers introduce civil service examinations → To get government jobs, individuals were tested on their knowledge of Confucian beliefs (recorded in the Analects) as well as Chinese history and law. Why would Confucius have liked this system? What are the disadvantages of choosing government officials in this way?

III. Social Classes under the Han → Ranked according to Confucian values A. Scholar-Officials: Held all the government positions B. Aristocrats: Gained back most of the land they lost during Qin dynasty C. Peasants: Respected under Confucianism, but lived under difficult conditions. D. Artisans: Provided society with specialized goods using their skills E. Merchants: Least respected class under Confucianism because they are profit-seeking.